Residents of Massachusetts and New Hampshire are acquainted with sore throats during the colder months. A trip to the doctor usually results in a quick exam and a prescription for antibiotics. In most cases, this is all that is necessary for you to begin to feel better.
Quick exams can lead to overlooking serious conditions
Sadly, when a medical care provider does not take a full medical history or is just trying to quickly move patients through the system because it is “sore throat season” or “cold and flu season,” serious medical conditions can be overlooked.
One condition that is easily misdiagnosed is salivary gland cancer. Your salivary glands are located in several areas of your mouth and throat. The largest concentration of these glands is at the back of the throat, which is the same area that can be red and swollen from a sore throat.
Since a misdiagnosis is possible and the outcome can be life-changing, it is always important for a medical care provider to take a complete medical history and conduct a thorough exam.
A misdiagnosis can lead to financial hardships
Once you have discovered the misdiagnosis, it is time to take immediate action to protect your health. This may include visiting specialists outside of your health coverage network or even out of the area in which you live. All of this could lead to additional expenses and missed time from work.
Of course, your health is far more important than the inconveniences of having to travel for care or facing some financial difficulties. However, these difficulties might have been avoided if you had been diagnosed correctly from the start.
Seeking the help you need
When your health is at risk, you must find the medical care you require for your specific type of condition, but there are other associated issues. A misdiagnosis is a form of medical malpractice. If you feel you’ve been a victim of this, working with a medical malpractice attorney may be able to help you attain compensation. A lawyer familiar with this field can assist you in building a claim for your financial losses and represent you in court or during negotiations.