The Cost of the Wrong Diagnosis

The Cost of the Wrong Diagnosis

When a doctor gives a patient a diagnosis, the patient trusts that doctor to deliver the correct news and begin the most effective treatment plan. Patients typically assume that the information given to them by their doctors is the most accurate, correct medical knowledge regarding their condition. However, with 15 percent of all medical cases in developed countries being misdiagnosed, a medical second opinion should always be sought in order to prevent misdiagnosis, which often results in a cost much greater than economic waste.

For two women in Australia, misdiagnosis led to the unthinkable in 2013: both women had their breasts unnecessarily removed after being incorrectly diagnosed with breast cancer. The fact that such a misdiagnosis has a lasting, life-long effect that includes both physical and emotional pain and turmoil should encourage patients to always seek a second opinion, especially when diagnosed with cancer or another serious or complex medical condition. Medical second opinions help to ensure the proper diagnosis and most effective treatment plan for a serious condition, thereby helping patients avoid catastrophic instances such as the misdiagnoses in Australia.

In the Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic Study, a second opinion conducted on 4,044 patients with abnormal screens resulted in:

•     Identification of 48 patients (1.85%) of the 2,601 originally diagnosed as benign had cancer
•     Cancellation of surgery for 1,056 out of the 1,443 originally recommended for surgery
•     A total savings (after cost of FNAB, U/S, aspirations, etc.) of $983,918

For more than 22 years, WorldCare International’s medical second opinions have connected patients around the world with the expertise of over 18,000 medical specialists at top-ranked US research and academic hospitals, including Massachusetts General Hospital and Mayo Clinic. Of all cases reviewed by WorldCare, approximately 30 percent are Oncology-related conditions. Of all total cases reviewed by WorldCare, 26 percent resulted in a change in diagnosis and 75 percent resulted in a change in treatment plan.

Because of WorldCare’s unique relationship with the top-ranked facilities in the WorldCare Consortium®, our medical second opinion service is the gold-standard in the industry. Our medical second opinions are focused on all aspects of a patient’s cases to ensure that the correct diagnosis and optimal treatment plan are established. This helps eliminate the risk of a tragic occurrence such as that in Australia.

Sources: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-22/cancer-misdiagnosis-of-two-nt-women-thoroughly-reviewed-gov/8048424
Diagnostic Imaging Online, January 10, 2002