Medical Misdiagnosis Costs Billions—Women Often Pay More
Medical misdiagnosis in the U.S. costs hundreds of billions of dollars annually and disproportionately affects women, who face higher rates of delayed or incorrect diagnoses and longer diagnostic journeys for conditions like endometriosis and cancer. These errors lead to increased healthcare expenses, financial strain on households, and in severe cases, permanent disability or death. Experts attribute the problem to systemic biases, reliance on technology over patient interaction, and a historical focus on male patients in medical research.
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By Jasmine LawsUS News ReporterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Medical misdiagnosis costs hundreds of billions of dollars each year in the U.S., a financial burden that quietly drains household finances—especially for women, who are more likely to face years of repeat appointments, tests, and prescriptions before getting the right answer. For many, this means hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra bills each year, often for care that doesn’t resolve their symptoms. The average American family spends around 11 percent of their household income on healthcare premiums and out-of-pocket costs, according to the law firm High Rise Financial.
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