Medical Malpractice Risks: Errors May Occur Due to Lack of Access to Medical Records

Impact of Cyber-Attacks on Access to Medical Records

Our healthcare system in Michigan has been hit with cyber-attacks that may make it difficult for your doctor to access your medical records and history. This limited access to records is no excuse for medical professionals to provide substandard care. Our experienced Medical Malpractice team will dig in and find out if you were injured due to medical errors caused by the recent data breach.

Importance of Continuing Medical Care

When visiting a hospital that has experienced a data breach, it’s crucial to continue prioritizing your health and not delay seeking medical care. You should still attend your scheduled appointments and go to the hospital when needed.

Responsibilities of Medical Professionals

Michigan medical professionals have a responsibility to you, the patient, to fill in the information necessary to provide you with the standard of care. This might mean asking you a long list of questions about your health history, symptoms, medications, allergies, and more – talking to you the old-fashioned way.

Preparing for Medical Visits During Data Breaches

To ensure you receive the best possible care despite potential disruptions, come prepared with essential information. Bring a detailed record of your medical history, including any past diagnoses and treatments, and a current list of medications you are taking, including dosages and frequencies. This preparation can help healthcare providers deliver accurate and timely care even if electronic medical records are temporarily inaccessible. By being proactive, you can mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and safeguard your health.

Types of Medical Malpractice or Medical Errors Due to Lack of Access to Medical Records

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
  • Failure to diagnose a condition correctly due to incomplete patient history.
  • Delayed identification of a critical condition, leading to worsened health outcomes.
• Medication Errors
  • Administering incorrect medications or dosages.
  • Overlooking drug allergies or potential drug interactions.
• Surgical Errors
  • Performing the wrong procedure or operating on the wrong site.
  • Failure to consider prior surgical history or complications.
• Failure to Follow Up
  • Missing follow-up appointments or tests due to lack of reminders.
  • Inability to monitor ongoing treatments effectively.
• Treatment Delays
  • Delayed initiation of necessary treatments due to missing information.
  • Inability to access prior test results or imaging studies.
• Inadequate Patient Monitoring
  • Failure to track chronic conditions appropriately.
  • Overlooking vital signs and symptoms that require immediate attention.
• Incorrect Patient Information
  • Mistakenly identifying patients, leading to incorrect treatments.
  • Confusion over patient identity due to lack of records.
• Inaccurate Documentation
  • Inability to update patient records accurately.
  • Miscommunication among healthcare providers due to incomplete data.
• Preventive Care Failures
  • Missing routine screenings or immunizations.
  • Failure to recognize and address risk factors.
• Emergency Care Mistakes
  • Inadequate response to emergencies without access to medical history.
  • Incorrect triage decisions based on incomplete information.
• Postoperative Complications
  • Failing to anticipate or manage postoperative risks.
  • Overlooking necessary postoperative care instructions.
• Allergic Reactions
  • Administering treatments without knowledge of patient allergies.
  • Failure to recognize and respond to allergic reactions promptly.

Access to comprehensive digital medical records is important and helpful to ensuring patient safety and providing high-quality care. However, the lack of such access can lead to serious and preventable medical errors if medical professionals do not take the time to fill in the information necessary for the standard of care.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a medical mistake, contact the Medical Malpractice specialists at Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys immediately to find out if you have a case. The consultation is free. 248-531-8665.