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Doctor Liability for Failure to Follow up or act upon Test Results
If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of a GP overlooking abnormal test results or failing to act on test results, you may have a medical negligence claim. Contact Garling and Co. Lawyers today. Our specialist solicitors will advise you of your legal rights and the steps required to bring a claim for compensation.
Experts in Medical Negligence claims
Your GP is your first point of contact when you are not feeling well. A prudent GP will carefully listen to your health complaints, obtain a detailed medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. Based on the information obtained from you and the findings on your physical examination, your GP will either make a diagnosis or refer you for diagnostic investigation of your symptoms. Many patients incorrectly assume that if their GP has not contacted them in relation to test results that the results are assuring. While this may be true in some cases, it is not always the case. Sometimes, due to administrative oversight, a GP is not aware of the availability of test results and does not see those results. It is also possible for a GP to read test results and recognise the need to contact the patient, but this does not occur due to oversight. In addition to requesting appropriate diagnostic investigations, your GP must follow up your results and must notify you of any abnormal or concerning results. These days, many GPs use software with a built-in prompting system to automatically notify patients of the availability of test results and the need to make an appointment with the doctor to discuss those results. Despite those measures, it is probably sensible to make an appointment with your GP if you are expecting test results as this is likely to minimise the risk of your results being overlooked.
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In addition to following up test results and communicating the results to the patient, a prudent GP must also act on any recommendations for additional diagnostic investigations. For example, your GP may refer you for a CT scan. However, the reporting radiologist may include a comment in the results that a CT scan is unlikely to show a specific abnormality and therefore, further investigation by MRI scan is recommended. Another example is one where a radiologist might identify an abnormality but cannot determine based on the radiology alone if the abnormality is benign or malignant and recommends a biopsy. A prudent GP must act on those recommendations and refer you as necessary.
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From your first consultation to settlement, we guide you through every step of your claim so you know exactly what to expect.
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Understand what you are entitled to, the process and timeframe
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Failure To Refer for Further Testing
If you or a loved one are suffering as a result of a failure of a GP to request appropriate diagnostic investigations, or any diagnostic investigations you may have a medical negligence claim. At Garling and Co. Lawyers, we have specialist solicitors that will be able to assist you to bring a claim for compensation.
Failure To Refer
For most patients suffering from illness, the first point of contact when seeking medical care will be their GP. A doctor might be deemed negligent if he or she fails to recognise that a patient needs to be referred to a specialist, usually via a hospital, for further tests and treatment.
Medication Error Lawyers Sydney
Medication, prescription, and anesthesia errors, whether they occur during the initial prescription or during administration, are surprisingly common and result in thousands of preventable injuries each year.Take action today and secure the justice you deserve by contacting our experienced Medication Error Lawyers.
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I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with this workers Compensation team. When I first reached out, I was completely overwhelmed and unsure about the process. I hit rock bottom - unable to return to work, struggling emotionally, and feeling like I had no direction. From the very beginning, the solicitors were nothing short of amazing. They were patient, understanding and incredibly supportive at a time when I needed it most. They took the time to explain every step in a way I could understand, never making me feel rushed or alone. Their professionalism was matched only by their compassion and that combination made all the difference. Throughout the entire journey, I felt heard, respected and genuinely cared for. They fought for me when I didn’t have the strength to fight for myself and thanks to their dedication, I was able to get the outcome I needed to rebuild my life. If you’re unsure, scared or feeling lost like I was, I can confidently say you will be in the best hands with this team. They helped me through one of the hardest chapters of my life, and I am truly grateful. I can’t thank or recommend Garling & Co Lawyers enough.
Matthew Garling and his team have provided incredible support and guidance throughout my MVA damages claim this year, and I can’t thank them enough for making this journey feel like such a breeze. When I initially engaged Garling & co, I had no understanding of what was ahead. I was anxious and unsure about the process, while also navigating the physical challenges of my injuries. With assurance that my matter was being handled with high level of expertise, professionalism and integrity, I was able to focus on recovery instead. Throughout the process, Matthew and Allison have been honest, straightforward and efficient in all communication; being a supportive buffer in all dealings with the insurer, and consistently committed to a successful outcome. The outcome was excellent, and it is with huge relief and great thanks that I can put this matter behind me. I would highly recommend the services of Garling and co for any injury claims of a similar nature, and I’m forever grateful to Matthew and his team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Medical testing plays a crucial role in patient healthcare, and after visiting a GP, it’s common to undergo various tests. We trust our GPs to diligently follow up on test requests and act upon the received results.
These are the types of testing that require proper follow-up and action by GPs or doctors:
- Blood test results
- Urine sample results
- Biopsy results
- X-ray images
- CT and MRI scan results
- However, if your GP or a hospital doctor neglects to follow up or take necessary action based on the test results, resulting in the deterioration of your condition, this could be deemed as medical negligence.
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For those seeking medical negligence compensation due to GP or doctor failures, consult Garling&Co Lawyers. Our experienced medical negligence solicitors are here to guide you through the process. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Whenever you undergo a test administered by a doctor or healthcare professional, it undergoes analysis before the results are released to your doctor or directly to you. However, errors can occur during this critical process, leading to the unfortunate loss of your test results.
This loss can result in significant delays, as you may need to undergo testing once again and await the subsequent return of results. Time that could have been utilised for receiving appropriate treatment is wasted. When your test results or medical records go missing, the potential risk of your health condition deteriorating becomes a real concern.
Safeguard your well-being by seeking solutions to prevent the loss of test results and medical records. Act now to ensure timely access to the right treatment for a healthier future.
Misread test results pose a serious risk of misdiagnosis. Whether it occurs in the laboratory, imaging centre or the consulting rooms of your doctor such as your GP, the consequences can be detrimental. Imagine being informed that you don’t have the illness you were being tested for, while in reality, you do. This leads to prolonged delays in receiving the crucial treatment necessary for your recovery.
Moreover, misinterpretation can lead to an entirely different diagnosis. You might be treated for the wrong illness, causing severe long-term health repercussions.
Don’t compromise your well-being. Seek measures to prevent the misreading of your test results. Ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment for a healthier future.
Most, if not all, diagnostic tests and radiological investigations are capable of being misreported or miscommunicated. These include ultrasounds, x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. Sometimes the results of a simple blood test could be overlooked and this could have catastrophic implications for the patient’s health.