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Benefits COPD users can lose if doctor’s orders aren’t followed

On Behalf of | Jul 15, 2015 | Medical Malpractice |

Dealing with COPD can be tiring, distressing, and expensive. It can be even more expensive and stressful if someone has had COPD for some time but was initially misdiagnosed or given a bad treatment regimen to follow because of incorrect or partial diagnosis.

It is important to understand that workers’ compensation benefits can be jeopardized if the treatment for COPD is not given or followed correctly. Social Security Disabilities states that a refusal to comply with doctor’s orders can end with compensation or disability benefits being terminated. Because of this, it is important that doctors prescribe a treatment that is actually effective for the patient and targets the root of the problem. Otherwise, the patient will have difficulty following it, or may be unable to follow it at all.

It is also important to realize that the medical expenses tied to COPD can be costly. COPD treatment includes both maintenance medication and reliever medication. The first type of medication is to treat the long-term symptoms and discomforts of the illness. The latter is to alleviate sudden strong symptoms or attacks. Both are necessary, and this can cost a lot of money. If someone loses their benefits because of misdiagnosis, they could end up paying a lot out of pocket, or even being unable to afford their medications.

These are just a few of the reasons as to why it is important to make sure that there are no medical misdiagnoses occurring when being checked and treated for COPD. A wrong diagnosis or a poor treatment regimen can result in lost time, lost benefits, lost money and can even end up worsening the patient’s health.

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