Kidney Disease Missed By GP
If your GP failed to recognise that you were suffering from kidney disease, causing an unnecessary deterioration in your condition, you could be eligible to obtain compensation. Contact a solicitor to find out more.
Diagnosing kidney disease
Kidney disease is when the kidneys stop functioning properly, usually due to old age, diabetes or high blood pressure. It causes symptoms such as tiredness, water retention (leading to swollen ankles, feet and hands), shortness of breath, nausea and blood in the urine.
A patient who presents to their GP with these symptoms should undergo kidney function tests, including blood and urine tests. If the results are abnormal, further investigations should be conducted to verify whether or not kidney disease is present, and if so, the staging of the disease.
Treating kidney disease
Kidney disease is a chronic condition, meaning it cannot be cured. However, it can be managed very effectively with lifestyle changes and medication, particularly if diagnosed in the early stages. This will stop the progression of the disease, preventing the deterioration of a patient's symptoms.
If a patient's kidney disease is advanced, further treatment will be required. For example, a patient may require dialysis and a kidney transplant.
Delayed diagnosis of kidney disease
If a patient develops advanced kidney disease – known as established renal failure (ERF) – because doctors failed to make a diagnosis, the care provided must be called into question.
Medical practitioners in the UK should be able to recognise the early warning signs of kidney disease and order tests to confirm whether or not this suspected diagnosis is correct. If the results are abnormal, further investigations should be carried out to ensure the underlying cause is uncovered. These tests should not be delayed as kidney disease must be caught in the early stages if a patient's condition is to be kept under control.
If a GP fails to appreciate the signs of kidney disease, or fails to accurately interpret test results, the standard of care will be deemed unacceptable. If this causes a patient to suffer unnecessary harm – for example, he/she progresses to established renal failure – there will be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Contact us today
If you would like to know more about claiming for a delayed diagnosis of kidney disease, please get in touch with us today. If you have a case that needs investigating, we will pursue a claim on your behalf, obtaining the compensation you deserve. Call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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