title: A GP's duty to follow up test results.
abstract: Medical negligence claims alleging 'failure to diagnose' are a common cause of claims against general practitioners. In these claims there is often an underlying weakness in the GP's test result and patient tracking systems. This article discusses the duty of care of a GP to follow up patients and their test results. Guidance is provided on how to establish an effective test result tracking system in order to minimise the possibility of a claim arising from 'failure to diagnose'.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bird
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D003954:Diagnostic Services / Q000592:standards*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D012941:Social Responsibility