Doctors' Failure to Follow Up on Test Results can be Deadly

One of the most distressing safety issues patients face is the situation when a doctor fails to follow up on test results. Often doctors tell their patients “no news is good news”: if they don’t hear anything from the doctor, then the test results were normal.

Of course, this is a terrible practice. Not hearing anything about test results could just as easily mean that the test was lost or that the doctor couldn’t get a hold of the patient to tell him or her abnormal results. Other serious issues arise when the doctor does not clearly communicate test results, recommended follow up, or treatment options.

One recent study found that up to 54% of errors reported by physicians were related to the management of diagnostic test results. Another study from 2008 concluded that errors in notifying patients about test results were highly predictive of increased adverse medical events.

Unacceptably high rates of diagnostic error related to the management of test results persist in part because the issue does not receive nearly as much attention as other kinds of medical errors. Doctors must take more advantage of existing best practices guidelines that set out simple procedures to help ensure test results are promptly and adequately relayed to patients and that proper follow up is performed.
Increased awareness and implementation of these systems would go a long way to improving the quality and safety of health care in doctors’ offices.

If you live in Ohio and you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a doctor’s failure to follow up on test results, consider contacting an experienced medical malpractice attorney who has seen these types of cases and can discuss your case and educate you about your legal rights.



The Mellino Robenalt, LLC
200 Public Sq. Suite 2900
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

The Mellino Robenalt handles medical malpractice cases all over Ohio, including:
Cleveland, Lakewood, Rocky River, Bay Village, Cleveland Heights, University Heights, North Olmsted, Sheffield, Sheffield Lake, Fairview Park, Solon, Beachwood, Westlake, Avon, Avon Lake, Shaker Heights, Parma, Strongsville, Independence, Valley View, North Royalton, Brooklyn, Chagrin Falls, Willoughby, Euclid, Highland Heights, Brunswick, Medina, Cuyahoga Falls, Brecksville, Moreland Hills, Bainbridge, Cuyahoga County, Lorain County, Erie County, Summit County, Medina County, Lake County, Mahoning County, Trumbull County, Lucas County.



how may we help you?

Let us review your case. Please fill out the confidential form below or call us 24/7 at the toll free number above.

Name *

Phone *

Email *

Tell us more *


Mellino Robenalt LLC
200 Public Square
Suite 2900
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 440-333-3800
Toll Free: 888-457-1147
Get Directions

Testimonials

  • Mr. Mellino is not only a phenomenal attorney, but he is also a very compassionate person.
  • Very helpful, informative, and handled everything seamlessly.
  • The response I got was immediate and friendly
  • Your kindness, understanding, and immense compassion truly helped our family get through this terrible event. Your willingness to know each of us in a personal way, created a warm, pleasant environment.
  • But, most of all the entire staff is very caring, compassionate, understanding and wonderful people, and that is what you need when you have suffered the loss of a very precious loved one.
  • Richard and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you did for us through the ordeal of the trial.

View All

Connect With Us