Often this is frustrating and means that we have to repeat our medical history on every visit and we never build up a relationship with our GP. But sometimes this problem can lead to a misdiagnosis when GPs are unfamiliar with the patient’s past medical history.
A case has come to light recently whereby the failure of a GP to properly read and understand the patient’s medical records and history has led to a misdiagnosis and a failure to spot a condition, which without immediate treatment at the onset of symptoms, leaves the sufferer with very serious permanent symptoms.
A 40-year-old woman attended her GP complaining of lower back pain and difficulty passing urine. On reviewing the patient’s medical records, the GP noted a history of PID, and assuming this abbreviation stood for pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the womb and internal tubes, he concluded that the infection had returned and prescribed antibiotics and sent the patient on her way.
Actually, PID stood for prolapsed interveterbral disc and not pelvic inflammatory disease. With the knowledge of this prolapsed disc and the symptoms the patient was suffering with, the GP should have been able to spot that the patient was actually suffering with the onset of a very serious condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome. This syndrome occurs when nerves in the spinal cord become compressed, and without surgery to fix the problem, the sufferer can be left with permanent and crippling bowel and bladder malfunction and even paralysis. The classic first sign of this condition is lower back pain associated with problems passing urine. Had the GP been aware that there was a history of a prolapsed disc, he would surely have considered the possibility that the patient had Cauda Equina Syndrome and should have made an immediate referral to a neurologist. Had this referral been made, the condition may have been caught in time and could have been cured. Unfortunately, it was not and the patient has been left with permanent life-affecting symptoms.
In this case it seems clear that had the patient received continuity of care from one GP at her GP surgery, this diagnosis would not have been missed. But then it may also have been avoided had the GP been more careful when reading the notes.
It is possible to ask to see a particular GP at your surgery when arranging your appointment, although you may find that you have to wait longer for an appointment as a result.
If you have suffered as a result of a misdiagnosis or a late diagnosis of a condition that should have been spotted earlier, we suggest that you contact a firm of specialist medical negligence lawyers. They will investigate your claim and advise you as to whether a law suit against the relevant medical practitioner can be brought in order that you can be appropriately compensated for your suffering.