Undergoing End-Of-Year Tests? How To Protect Yourself Against Medical Malpractice In Maryland

Most insurers offer free preventative tests that can help identify potentially dangerous health conditions. By the end of the year, patients may also have met high insurance company coverage, meaning extra testing that might have been cost-prohibitive before may now be covered. Our Maryland medical malpractice attorneys explain standard tests to consider and shares safety tips to protect yourself when dealing with providers.

Medical Tests To Consider Before The End Of The Year

Medical testing helps screen for and detect potentially devastating illnesses that require immediate treatment. They are also a vital tool in diagnosing personal injuries, life-threatening diseases, and chronic health conditions.

Many medical tests are ridiculously expensive and only partially covered by insurance. However, by the end of the year, patients may have reached deductibles, reducing out-of-pocket costs. As a result, those on a budget may wait until the end of the year to get tests such as:

• Comprehensive metabolic panels (CMP) and complete blood counts (CBC);
• Skin biopsies;
• Bone marrow tests;
• Endoscopy;
• Stress tests;
• MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging tests.

Healthline warns that these tests can total thousands of dollars, even with health insurance. Getting them towards the end of the year is often the most affordable way to go. It is also a good time to make appointments for preventative screenings, which the Maryland Insurance Administration states that most health insurance companies are required to provide. This includes a yearly physical exam, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, gynecological exams, mammograms, and colonoscopies.

 How To Protect Your Health And Your Rights When Undergoing Medical Tests In Maryland

According to the Maryland Association For Justice, an estimated 1,000 people per day die as a result of medical malpractice throughout the United States. Misdiagnosis, resulting in dangerous delays in treatment, is one of the most common causes.

As the end of the year approaches, consider what medical tests and screenings you may be eligible for or otherwise need. To protect your health and your rights in getting or undergoing the appropriate tests, follow these tips from our Maryland medical malpractice lawyers to protect yourself and your rights in a claim:

• Review insurance policy documents to determine any free medical tests or screening you may be entitled to;
• Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss which are relevant for you;
• Check to ensure your medical chart is completed correctly, including health history and genetic health conditions;
• Make a list of any unexplained symptoms you may be suffering from;
• Keep copies of your medical records and promptly follow up on test results;
• If your doctor refuses to order specific tests or you have doubts about test or screening results, get a second opinion.

Contact Our Maryland Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Medical malpractice in Maryland is unfortunately common, and delayed treatment due to misdiagnosis is a leading cause. To hold at-fault medical providers accountable for the losses you suffer, contact Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP. Contact our office to schedule a consultation today with our Maryland medical malpractice attorneys.

Source:

healthline.com/health/labcorp-review

mgaleg.maryland.gov/cmte_testimony/2021/jud/1UP5M7Z0rlHa8yFQssLfGuYzM57MG9I1O.pdf

insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/agencyhearings/Health-Insurance-Basics-webinar-692021.pdf