Even though medical errors can change a patient’s life forever, they are not exactly rare. In fact, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have concluded that medical errors are the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S., falling behind only heart disease and cancer.
While you probably cannot prevent your doctor from making mistakes, you can switch health care providers. If you notice any of the following three signs, your doctor may be about to commit medical malpractice.
1. Your doctor always seems too busy
In any given day, most doctors must meet with patients, research medical issues, talk to insurers and perform other tasks. While it is perfectly normal for a physician to be busy, your doctor should have an infrastructure in place to handle his or her caseload. If he or she does not, you may not receive the level of care you deserve.
2. Your doctor does not listen to your concerns
You should be able to discuss your medical concerns with your doctor. If your physician refuses to listen to you or dismisses your worries, he or she may not have enough information to provide comprehensive care.
3. Your symptoms do not improve
Not all injuries and illnesses are treatable. Still, modern medicine often gives doctors a variety of options for caring for patients. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may have failed to diagnose your condition correctly.
You should be able to depend on your doctor to treat you effectively. If you do not feel better or notice other issues, you may need to change physicians before you become the victim of medical malpractice.