Getting the proper diagnosis for your child’s medical or mental health condition is crucial for them to receive the proper treatment and care.
However, misdiagnoses unfortunately can and do happen, with child misdiagnoses far more common than in adults – 43% compared to just 13%.
It’s more common for children to be misdiagnosed if they have unusual symptoms, especially in the ER, where 250k people die because of misdiagnoses each year.
If you suspect your child has been misdiagnosed, Penny Hendy, an experienced Louisville medical malpractice attorney, shares some steps to take:
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Get a Second Medical Opinion
If your child’s diagnosis does not seem quite right to you based on their symptoms and your knowledge of their health history, it is absolutely reasonable to seek out a second opinion from another doctor.
Make sure the next doctor you see specializes in or has extensive experience with your child’s suspected condition. Provide them with a full account of your child’s health history, current symptoms, and the reasons you are concerned about the previous diagnosis. A fresh set of eyes may reveal something that was previously overlooked.
Review the Doctor’s Diagnostic Process
Ask questions about the diagnostic process the first doctor used. Were there specific tests, assessments, or evaluations done to reach the diagnosis? Make sure standard diagnostic procedures were properly followed.
For example, a full psychological assessment is usually required for diagnosing learning disabilities or mental health conditions like ADHD, depression, and autism. A thorough workup should have been done. If your child’s diagnosis feels questionable, there probably is reason for that concern.
Gather Additional Documentation and Medical Records
Compile documentation of your child’s symptoms and medical history from their other doctors, therapists, teachers, or caregivers. See if the notes from these sources align with or contradict the diagnosis in question. Providing this supplemental documentation to the second opinion doctor can help them assess if the diagnosis properly fits your child or if further evaluation is required.
Consider Alternative Diagnosis Possibilities
Research or ask your doctor about other conditions that may be confused with your child’s diagnosis. For example, symptoms of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder can overlap, so at first, it may be unclear which (or both) conditions a child has.
Science Daily reported that nearly one million children were misdiagnosed with ADHD back in 2010. If an incorrect diagnosis seems plausible for your child, bring this up with the second opinion doctor and have them specifically evaluate your child for this condition.
Discuss Next Steps with Your Doctor
If the second opinion doctor concludes your child was misdiagnosed, have an open discussion to determine next steps. Additional testing may be needed to pinpoint the accurate diagnosis, or the doctor may already have enough information to provide a revised diagnosis for your child’s symptoms and behaviors.
Make sure any providers your child sees are updated on their new diagnosis status. Ask your doctor what changes, if any, need to be made to your child’s treatment, school accommodations, or therapy programs based on their updated diagnosis assessment.
If you are still struggling to get help or a medical diagnosis has badly impacted your child, speak to a medical malpractice attorney for advice.
While a misdiagnosis can unfortunately happen, you know your child best. Trust your judgment if a diagnosis does not seem fitting for your child. By seeking a second opinion and having an honest dialogue with doctors to get to the bottom of the matter, you can help ensure your child gets the appropriate care and treatment they truly need.
