The hidden cost of a misdiagnosis
As we are blessed to get older, with the freedoms and fun that retirement and becoming a grandparent can bring, the unfortunately reality is that, as we age, our interactions with health care providers can become more frequent and more important.
We want to get the best out of life, which is why, when faced with an ailment, we wish to have it treated and dealt with as soon as possible. With the NHS in the UK, we are lucky to receive our ‘free at the point of delivery’ healthcare service. As the NHs turns 70 this year, it is certainly the enviable asset of Great Britain, caring for many of us from cradle to grave.
The scope of a misdiagnosis can range from misdiagnosed diabetes or Crohn’s disease, to life threatening sepsis.
Unfortunately though, sometimes things do go wrong. A lengthy diagnosis process can put you at risk of a missed or misdiagnosis, as information is moved around and you are exposed to possible clerical errors or human mishaps. While mostly these are forgivable and rectifiable, sometimes a mistake can cost you, both in your health and financially.
Many don’t consider the financial implications of misdiagnosis, however, a misdiagnosis can mean taking medications you don’t need to take, travelling to places you don’t need to go (at your own expense) and seeking treatments and care that you never needed to have. The costs of these things can go up, and for those still in work, can amount to missed days and loss of income.
This is why it is important to be your own health advocate, keeping detailed records of any diagnostic process and asking questions whenever you can. It’s self-determination like this that prevents people from slipping through the cracks and becoming a victim of misdiagnosis.
The scope of a misdiagnosis can range from misdiagnosed diabetes or Crohn’s disease, to life threatening sepsis. Even undiagnosed fractures can develop into chronic health conditions when left untreated.
When a misdiagnosis can change the course of your life, affect your finances, require you to receive additional care or cause you to lose enjoyment of your life, some seek out to claim misdiagnosis compensation. This can provide financial security in the face of your losses and also sometimes provide the answers you need to move on with your life and enjoy each day as we all want to.
