What Would You Do? Medical Error

focksie · ‎03-04-2012

I recently went for an imaging test which ruled out cancer. I received the final report with an incorrect date of birth on it. I called the office and an administrator assured me over the phone that those results were, in fact, mine. That wasn't good enough for me. I asked if she could send me a letter that acknowledged their error, stated that it had been corrected, and assured me the results were mine. She said okay.

I just received a copy of a summary of the test results sent to the referring physician. My date of birth on this letter was correct, however the report began "This is a 55 year old woman who..."

I am not 55. I would be 55 according to the original incorrect date of birth on the report.

I left a message for the administrator to call me. I still want a letter acknowledging their error, stating they have corrected the error, and assuring me the results are mine.

What would you do? I was thinking I'm taking this too far, but IMO this is a serious and egregious error. I'm sick and tired of medical personnel being incompetent. Please try to put yourselves in my shoes and think about if it had been your medical test results.

brii · ‎06-20-2010

I would repeat the test - just for my own peace of mind.

I would also contact your doctor and let him/her know you want the test repeated.

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

You are not by any means taking this too far. These are probably not your results. I would insist upon getting retested (for no charge). This is your life we are talking about. It's totally unacceptable.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

betteb · ‎03-09-2010

On 3/18/2014 Ford1224 said:
You are not by any means taking this too far. These are probably not your results. I would insist upon getting retested (for no charge). This is your life we are talking about. It's totally unacceptable.

Yes I agree. You may have to make an appointment and take it straight to the Dr, but keep pushing.

It's God's job to judge the terrorists. It's our mission to arrange the meeting. U.S. Marines

focksie · ‎03-04-2012

I should get more specific and say this was a thyroid nodule biopsy, 4 nodes in total were biopsied. The thing is, I first saw the ENT who did an ultrasound to identify these 4 nodules. Then I went to the imaging center to have the 4 nodules biopsied. The results are of these 4 nodules. I shouldn't really have any reason to think the results are not mine based on the consistency of the 4 separate biopsies done between my initial ENT visit and at the imaging center, but I'm still angry about it.

I really do not want to go through the biopsies again. It was not pleasant. I was crying.

Lila Belle · ‎01-24-2013

I'd get myself to the doctor ASAP and get my questions answered if it were me.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I agree with brii, to repeat the test and make sure the diagnostic report is actually your results. At this point, getting a letter is not going to be worth the paper it is written on as far as I am concerned. Any medical test for cancer is too important to have the results possibly mixed up with another patient. Insist that the test be done again, and do not let them bill your insurance for it. Best wishes to you!

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

I agree with Lila. I'd make an appointment with the physician and get to the bottom of it. I understand everyone makes mistakes but this is your life and they should be more careful.

Free2be · ‎03-10-2010

Clinical opinions almost always refer to the patient by their secks and age. The clinician was going by the date he/she had available.

If there is nothing in that report that is specific to you, asking for some kind of clarifying letter is not too much to ask. Perhaps your referring physician ought to get it clarified for his/her own protection since he/she will be treating your based on that diagnostic test. ??

Lila Belle · ‎01-24-2013

On 3/18/2014 LipstickDiva said:
I agree with Lila. I'd make an appointment with the physician and get to the bottom of it. I understand everyone makes mistakes but this is your life and they should be more careful.

I wouldn't even make an apt.