While every case is different, residents commonly see diagnostic problems begin in settings like:
- ER or urgent-care visits where symptoms are evolving and the next steps depend on timely interpretation of test results
- Follow-up that gets delayed because the patient is told to “watch and wait,” but the condition required escalation
- Imaging and lab workflow issues where results are present in the system but not communicated or acted on quickly enough
- High-volume clinical workflows where documentation shortcuts or incomplete histories can affect clinical reasoning
And in some cases, automated components are involved—such as imaging assistance, risk scoring, or documentation tools. The key legal question isn’t whether technology exists; it’s whether clinicians and facilities used information appropriately, verified results, and escalated risk when facts suggested the diagnosis should not be treated as settled.


