Though the bulk of the doctor-patient relationship takes place in the hospital of office, part of it moves with you when you walk out those doors. In a number of situations, physicians need to follow-up with their patients to ensure that the patients are doing well, do not need any further treatment or to provide additional treatment. When physicians fail to do this, the patient could suffer complications or new injuries. Here are some instances when a doctor's failure to follow-up can cause harm to a patient:

1. Failing to Follow Up on Test Results

Tests are often ordered by doctors, and it is their responsibility to obtain those tests, read them and then respond to the test's results. All too often, though, the results are left in a patient's file without be properly evaluated. When this happens, a life-threatening condition could be left undiagnosed and untreated or potentially misdiagnosed and treated improperly.

2. Failing to Follow Up on Missed Appointments

It isn't uncommon for patients to miss their scheduled appointments. However, when a missed appointment could have damaging consequences for the patient, it is the responsibility of a physician to follow up with the patient. Physicians should check on the patient regarding his or her well-being as well as to warn the patient about the potential consequences of missing his or her appointment(s).

3. Failing to Follow Up on Medication Risks

There are certain medications that have a higher risk of addiction. When physicians prescribe these medications to patients, it is important that they follow up with the patient prior to authorizing a refill. Follow ups are also necessary regarding medications that have adverse side effects as well as with patients who have tricky medical histories and/or histories of addiction.

4. Failing to Follow Up on Hospital Visits

After a patient visits a doctor's office, there are some instances when the doctor may instruct the patient to go to the hospital. This is often for more in-depth testing, such as blood work or imaging scans. However, a physician is unable to escort the patient to the hospital, so there I no way of knowing whether the patient does as instructed. Therefore, it is the doctor's responsibly to follow up with the hospital to ensure that the patient did as instructed and to check on the patient.

When a physician's failure to properly follow up has caused you harm in some way, it is important to realize that you have rights and that you may be eligible for compensation. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer in your area to talk about the details of your situation. For more information, visit websites like https://www.shayandassociates.com/.