Authored By: Elizabeth K.
Dr. Rod Edmond of Edmond, Lindsay, & Atkins, was interviewed by Michael J. Swanson, CEO and Chairman. He discusses how plaintiff attorneys are holding doctors accountable for misdiagnosis.
Dr. Edmond fights to explain the importance of listening and not assuming in a medical case that tragically took the life of a 13-year-old girl.
The mother of the child initially traveled to a family physician after the daughter had communicated abnormal symptoms causing shortness of breath. An assessment of unstable vital signs, including respiratory rate, blood pressure, and pulse, was conducted by the physician. The mother and daughter were told to seek emergency care.
Following the client's arrival at the emergency room with communication of the treatment goals, an appropriate chest x-ray revealed fluid in the child's lungs and vital signs that indicated low oxygen saturation. Rather than prescribing medicine to drain the fluid from her lungs, the young girl was given 4 liters of fluid, causing her tragically to drown within an hour.
In court, when questioned about the doctor's intentions given the objective data, it was revealed that the doctor had made the fatal error of assuming the child was experiencing an anxiety attack.
A second opinion can be helpful to consumers when deciding on a diagnosis, says Dr. Edmond.
Watch the interview with Dr. Rod Edmond in the video below to learn more.