Medical Malpractice: Failure to Refer to a Specialist
In some instances, a doctor’s failure to refer a patient to a specialist may be considered medical malpractice. Learn why this is a serious problem.
When we experience health problems, we see a doctor and let their expertise guide their treatment recommendations. Of course, no doctor is expected to have detailed knowledge of every aspect of the human body. This is why we have specialists in specific fields of medicine. When a doctor fails to refer a patient to a specialist for further consultation and care, that doctor may be guilty of medical malpractice. Keep reading to learn more, and call Cardaro & Peek for legal assistance with your medical malpractice case.
When Should Doctors Refer You to a Specialist?
A doctor must know their limitations in the knowledge and expertise they can offer to a patient. While a doctor must always meet the standard of care when treating their patients, their level of expertise may limit the amount of help they can offer. In this situation, they are obligated to refer the patient to another doctor with specialized training, background, and experience to provide the appropriate level of care.
When Does Failure to Refer Most Often Occur ?
There are two most common scenarios where patients aren’t given a referral to see a specialist. One is when they visit their primary care physicians, and the other is when patients visit the emergency room. Primary care physicians have broad knowledge of many health conditions. However, they likely do not possess the in-depth knowledge necessary to treat every condition. If the physician identifies a health concern during check-ups, a failure to refer their patient to a specialist to follow up on the discovery may constitute malpractice. In emergency rooms , errors can occur due to the fast-paced environment. Obvious issues, like a broken bone, require immediate attention at the exclusion of other health problems that require a specialist.
What’s the Potential Harm to Patients?
If a doctor’s failure to refer the patient to a specialist or a more knowledgeable doctor occurs, it’s the patient who can potentially suffer the most significant consequences. There could be a delay or misdiagnosis of serious conditions. If a condition remains untreated, it could cause the patient’s health to deteriorate to an irreversible state.
Contact The Law Offices of Cardaro & Peek, LLC Today
Do you believe that you or your loved one has suffered as a result of medical malpractice or medical neglect? You need to talk to an experienced team of local lawyers today.
The lawyers at Cardaro & Peek, LLC have the experience and resources necessary to investigate and litigate all types of medical claims throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. Cardaro & Peek, LLC has medical personnel on staff and has access to nationally recognized, board-certified physicians and other experts, to assist in the investigation, analysis, and prosecution of all types of medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one have experienced malpractice, give us a call at 410-752-6166. Please visit our website www.cardarolaw.com and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn for more information.
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