Protect yourself from diagnostic mistakes

Dr. David Bates, a professor in the Division of Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital and director of its Center for Patient Safety Research and Practice, offers these tips to lower your risks of experiencing a diagnostic error:

Ask for alternative explanations. If you’re not satisfied with your diagnosis, ask your doctor “What else could this be?” “It’s tempting to zero in on something, and sometimes we zero in on the wrong thing,” Dr. Bates says. “It’s reasonable to ask if your doctor is sure about your diagnosis and if they’re running tests to rule out other things.”

Ask for a medication review. Such information can add vital context to a clinician’s observations. “Just from your list of medications, it’s pretty easy for a physician to infer what conditions you have,” he says. “It gives us a pretty good sense of what’s going on.”

Rely on a trusted companion. Taking a family member or close friend with you to medical appointments will help you retain and act on key information. “Having a care partner, someone who knows you and is willing to help you advocate with your medical team, is very helpful,” he says.

Seek a second opinion. If you feel your doctor’s assessment is incorrect, or you don’t feel listened to, find another provider or specialist. “That’s reasonable,” Dr. Bates says. “If they get upset about it, there’s something wrong with them—not you.”