Failure to Follow-Up on Diagnostic Findings

Delayed Detection of Cancer

Malvin

Oct 29, 2024

14:41

A 58-year-old woman initially presented to a family practice with chest pain, reporting that she had heard a rib crack. The nurse practitioner (NP) ordered a chest x-ray, which identified a 1.5 cm mass in the right middle lobe of her lung. The radiologist recommended a CT scan for further investigation. However, the NP never received the radiology report, and the clinic did not have a protocol to ensure follow-up on expected test results.

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The patient returned to the practice 16 months later with persistent cough and chest pain. A new x-ray revealed that the mass had grown to 4 cm, and a subsequent CT scan showed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Further testing confirmed stage IV adenocarcinoma with brain metastases. The significant delay in diagnosis compromised the patient’s treatment options and prognosis, ultimately leading to her death. Experts concluded that the delay in diagnosis resulted from the NP’s failure to follow up on the initial x-ray report and the office's lack of a system to ensure timely receipt and review of reports.

Impact of Inadequate Follow-Up on Patient Outcomes

In this case, the absence of follow-up procedures meant a missed opportunity for early intervention. Delays in diagnosing cancer allow it to progress to more advanced stages, limiting treatment options and diminishing survival rates.

Common Failures in Follow-Up Cases

In malpractice claims where follow-up failures are a factor, common errors include:

- Failure to Track Pending Results
Absence of a system to verify receipt of radiology or lab reports can lead to missed findings that require urgent attention.

- Lack of Protocols for Test Result Follow-Up
Clinics should have structured protocols to track and verify that all ordered reports are received and reviewed, minimizing the risk of diagnostic oversights.

- Delay in Ordering Additional Tests Based on Initial Findings
When a report recommends further investigation, immediate action can be crucial, especially in cases involving potential malignancies.

- Inadequate Patient Communication
Informing patients to follow up on their results is essential, especially if a facility lacks automated reminders or tracking systems.
 

Consequences of Delayed Cancer Diagnosis

Failure to follow up on abnormal test findings can lead to advanced-stage cancer, as in this case, where the patient developed metastatic stage IV adenocarcinoma. The damages often include not only the patient's loss of life but also substantial emotional and financial costs to the family, who may experience loss of consortium and significant financial burdens related to prolonged treatment and missed income.

How Malpraq Can Support You

At Malpraq, we recognize the devastating effects of missed or delayed diagnoses due to inadequate follow-up. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to failure in following up on critical diagnostic findings, our team can help assess your case and guide you toward expert legal assistance.

Connect with Malpraq today to discuss your case and pursue the support you need for compensation and justice.

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