If you have recently seen a doctor or medical provider, more than likely you had to have some type of testing to get a diagnosis. Typically, a medical provider will get the results back from the tests and provide them to you in a timely manner. Unfortunately, medical neglect can happen when it comes to timely test results. When test results are delayed or not provided to you quickly enough, you could end up sicker than you could have been if your condition worsened while you waited. You could also receive a misdiagnosis, which can impact you for life. A delay in getting your test result may constitute a medical malpractice claim depending on the severity of your condition. Here are some things you need to know:

Why Should Test Results Be Provided as Soon as Possible?

After you have a medical test done, you need to get the results back quickly. Timely test results are critical to not only treating your condition as quickly as possible but also to preventing a mistake. If your provider does not give you your test results, it could result in medical negligence.

Why Would Medical Tests be Delayed?

There are some cases in which testing delays cannot be helped. If the equipment used to do your testing malfunctions or if something happens to your specimen, for example, it can cause delays that are outside of the provider's control. However, there are plenty of reasons why tests can be delayed that are avoidable. An unorganized medical practice that cannot manage to provide testing results accurately is one avoidable reason for not getting your test results. If your results were lost in a facility or your provider never called you simply because there was a lack of communication, you may have cause for a claim against the provider if your condition deteriorated.

What Can You Do if Your Condition Worsens Due to Delayed Test Results?

If you did not hear from your provider about your test results, you should mitigate the issue by trying to contact your provider to get the results. Many medical tests do not take more than a day or so to come back. If you do not hear anything, you need to try calling. If you cannot get an answer about your tests, you may need to take legal action. If you received a misdiagnosis or your condition worsened, contact a malpractice attorney to see if they can contact the provider on your behalf. This step will often yield results. If you still do not get the answers you need or you become seriously ill, you and your attorney may need to move forward with legal action.

For more information, talk with a medial malpractice attorney.