Experiencing relentless and unexplained medical symptoms may leave you feeling frustrated and hopeless. Concerns about a delayed diagnosis could disrupt your ability to focus on other areas of your life.
Knowing some factors that could increase the likelihood of a delayed diagnosis may improve your awareness. This way, you can identify unfair or biased treatment before it endangers your health.
Physician-related causes
Your physician should respond to your inquiries and concerns with a proactive assessment. However, some doctors lack the skills or empathy to provide compassionate care to their patients. According to the U.S. Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, watch for unprofessional behaviors including the following:
- Lack of empathy
- Poor communication skills
- Unwillingness to listen
- Job-related frustrations
- Inability to handle stress
- Abrasive personality
Look for signs that your doctor has provided negligent medical advice or lacks adequate knowledge to accurately diagnose your condition. There is also a chance that your physician treats you disparagingly based on your ethnicity, gender or economic status. As such, you may receive substandard care and continue to suffer from your symptoms because of a delayed diagnosis.
Patient-related causes
Sometimes you could also unintentionally inhibit a diagnosis because of unfounded or irrational fears. These may stem from prior health conditions, excessive research about various conditions, passiveness or embarrassment about the symptoms you have. Remind yourself to stay objective about your condition and stick to the facts when informing your doctor.
If you have suffered life-changing injuries or worsened health because of a delayed diagnosis, you may choose to file a lawsuit against your doctor. Working with a legal professional may improve your chances of presenting your case without missing crucial steps along the way.
