Failure to Diagnose

Failure to diagnose refers to a situation where a healthcare professional does not correctly identify a medical condition or illness. This can occur due to various reasons, such as inadequate patient assessment, overlooked symptoms, or misinterpretation of test results. When a diagnosis is missed, it can lead to delayed treatment, which may worsen a patient's condition or lead to unnecessary complications. In some cases, this lack of proper diagnosis can result in legal action if it is determined that the healthcare provider did not meet the expected standard of care.