An emergency room (ER) is where patients who require acute medical attention tend to go to be checked out. The medical decisions made there can impact not only a patient’s immediate health outcomes, but also their long-term prognosis and overall quality of life.
When medical errors happen in an ER, they could be the beginning of significant health complications for patients. The following are some of the common medical errors that occur in emergency rooms.
Testing/laboratory errors
When patients get tested for various conditions or have laboratory work done in the ER, errors can occur at various stages. Mislabeled specimens could lead to incorrect test results potentially resulting in a misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. Additionally, errors in ordering or performing tests may result in crucial information being overlooked or delayed, impacting the timeliness and accuracy of medical interventions. Misinterpretation of test results by healthcare providers can also contribute to diagnostic errors and subsequent treatment complications.
Improper discharge
A patient getting improperly discharged from the ER is another common medical error. This can happen when a patient’s condition is not fully evaluated, leading to premature discharge before their condition is adequately stabilized or treated. Improper discharge can result in patients experiencing worsening symptoms or complications shortly after leaving the ER, requiring them to seek further medical attention or even leading to emergency readmissions.
Misdiagnosis
If a patient checks into the ER with symptoms that are misinterpreted or overlooked, misdiagnosis can occur. This may occur due to various factors such as time constraints, incomplete medical history or the complexity of the patient’s condition. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment or delays in providing necessary care, worsening the patient’s condition and potentially causing long-term harm. Furthermore, misdiagnosis can also result in unnecessary procedures or medications, adding to healthcare costs and patient discomfort.
If you suffered harm as a result of medical errors in the ER, it’s crucial to seek proper legal guidance and support to better understand your rights and options.