Community Chat

[Ms tyrion2]

I looked at 6 different studies and cause of death by medical mistake didn't even crack the top 10.

[mom2four0418]

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@Sushismom wrote:

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@mom2four0418 wrote:

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@sensibleshoppingsoothes wrote:

Of course there are medical errors, but calling them the third largest cause of death is an urban myth, subscribed to only by conspiracy theorists.  Look it up, please.

Actually, it is not an urban myth. 

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Interestingly, an article I just read about the 12 leading causes of death in the U.S. does NOT include medical errors.

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Johns Hopkins

[NYC Susan]

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@depglass wrote:

As a former legal secretary my mind immediately goes to lawsuit.  I don't know what the laws over there are.  No, money won't make it better but there has to be some consequence.  

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I can't imagine anyone's mind not immediately going to lawsuit.  If the facts are as presented, she needs to be compensated for what she's been through.  And there needs to be accountability.

[NYC Susan]

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@haddon9 wrote:

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@NicksmomESQ wrote:

  Precisely why I don’t run to doctors.They can’t wait to test you into oblivion. I know someone who’s family member was misdiagnosed even with a second opinion.I won’t go into detail but this person was maimed for no reason!! Many lives were affected. The case is in litigation. But no amount of money will ever make up for what that family goes through on a daily basis.

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@NicksmomESQ I agree and feel the same way.  Yet every time there is a health related thread here we get posters who are quick to say "ask you doctor"! 

I am not running each and every time to my doctor.  Life is a gamble and most of us do the best that we can but all of that testing can often be misdiagnosed.  I can go visit my primary for a sudden pain in my toe but he will not look at me but into his computer the entire time asking if I've had this & that test totally unrelated to the reason that I came in to see him.

Well, I'm one of those who often says, "Ask your doctor".  And what I mean by that is ask a medical professional rather than seek medical advice here.  I have seen A LOT of incorrect information given here, some of it potentially dangerous.  And I firmly believe that a good medical professional who knows someone's medical and family history, current meds, conditions, allergies, etc, is the best source for information.

I do see my doctor (or talk to him on the phone) when I have a concern.  He has been my PCP for many, many years, and he has been amazing.  We make decisions together, and he knows my aversion to testing, so we keep it at a minimum.  I don't like seeing other doctors, specialists, etc, because it often starts a cycle of testing that uncovers problems or "incidental findings" and then it becomes a whole thing that I don't have the time or patience for.  So I agree about not running to doctors for every little thing.  They're obligated to test and use the equipment and technology that's available to them, but I would much rather keep things simple and not get caught up in all that.

I don't think doctors are gods.  Or infallible.  But I've seen them do far more good than bad, and I have a lot of respect for the medical profession.

[NYC Susan]

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@froggy wrote:

I am on Medicare with an additional supplemental policy. I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and do not doubt the diagnosis. I've been to the doctors of my own choice, had ultrasound, PET scan and MRI and have seen all results personally which have been explained in detail by my doctors. I have full confidence in my doctors. It's hard to understand how you get taken by a misdiagnosis - maybe by putting too much trust in one doc and not asking enough questions? And Medicare does allow for a second opinion.

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@froggy you're smart to ask questions and be pro-active about your own care.  And having doctors that you trust is key.

I wish you the best!  

[NYC Susan]

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@Tyak wrote:

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@PA Mom-mom wrote:

@FlowerBear  Three letters: NHS. No second or third opinion available. Take a number and wait your turn.

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Yep.  I hope I never have to depend on our own version of the NHS for my healthcare.

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Second opinions ARE available.  

[Katcat1]

Lawsuit -- very BIG Lawsuit.  What a terrible experience for the woman.

[Sushismom]

That study was done in 2013, six years ago. The article I read was done in 2017.

[Tinkrbl44]

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@sensibleshoppingsoothes wrote:

Of course there are medical errors, but calling them the third largest cause of death is an urban myth, subscribed to only by conspiracy theorists.  Look it up, please.

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@sensibleshoppingsoothes 

???    Who are you responding to?

[Shorty2U]

Thats terrible! I cant imagine. That poor woman! But I can believe it. I deal with medical offices all the time for my health issues. I have to call a lot because they mess up my orders, paper work, appointments, you name it, and yes its all of them and i even switched my one Dr. I tell my husband I swear people are in la la land now days with cellphones or theye on meds. I have no clue, but people dont do their job and I get mad. But this what happened to this woman is unbelievably sad!