Real Patients. Real Outcomes.
Every case below is real. Names and identifying details have been removed to protect patient privacy, but the medical situations — and the results — speak for themselves.
Diagnoses We Caught
In case after case, we've found that initial diagnoses were wrong, incomplete, or missed entirely. Here are real examples:
MISSED DIAGNOSIS
Patient was having trouble weight bearing but was encouraged to work through the pain. On review of x-rays, foot fracture was missed. Patient clinically worse. Repeat x-rays showed no significant change. Treatment was changed.
Identified acute renal failure, identified cause as a medication side effect, removed medication and returned kidney function to normal. Prevented a potential permanent kidney injury.
Review of blood work taken revealed prostate cancer reoccurrence.
Patient had multiple infections seemingly unrelated. Found an immune deficiency.
INCORRECT DIAGNOSIS
A patient was being treated for depression. A concerned friend engaged our services, and we identified the correct diagnosis: lymphoma. She received appropriate treatment and is home doing well.
A patient with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease was seen by a local neurologist and two “Parkinson’s experts” who diagnosed Parkinsons. We identified an alternative diagnosis and referred the patient to diagnosis expert neurologist who provided the correct diagnosis.
A patient was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and told they needed treatment. Our review determined the correct diagnosis was monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis — not cancer. No treatment was necessary.
Routine chest x-ray revealed rib fractures. After identification these were old fractures dating back ten years. No treatment was necessary.
In Emergency Room, patient was diagnosed with a stroke and released to follow up with a Neurologist. We received and reviewed data. Revised diagnosis of TIA was given same day, treatment changed and referral to appropriate neurologist was made.
Diagnosis on a biopsy was incorrect and corrected. Result was a completely different treatment.
Vasculitis diagnosed by a specialist who recommended a biopsy. Diagnosis identified as incorrect.
Surgeries We Prevented
Patient was advised to have lung immediately removed due to cancer. We determined that cancer was very slow growing and does not spread. Referred to specialist who confirmed that operation would have a higher mortality rate than watching.
Incidental finding shows a nodule on larynx and biopsy was recommended under general anesthesia because it could be cancer. We researched issue and felt it was highly unlikely to be cancer and referred to a different ENT.
Patient had a longstanding sacral tumor. Neurosurgeon wanted to biopsy with high risk of complications given its location. Determined it was a slow growing tumor that if biopsied might spread the tumor.
Better Treatment, Faster Access
In many cases, our patients needed more than a referral to see someone months after their diagnosis. We helped have helped patients navigate the healthcare system to make sure they’re receiving the right treatment from the right specialist as soon as possible.
FINDING DIFFERENT TREATMENT OPTIONS
Patient had intractable pain that could not be treated in usual way due to other diseases and ineffectiveness. Found alternative solutions.
Patient has osteoporosis. Treated with a drug that has side effects. Less harmful drug recommended and clinician agreed.
Treatment options identified for expedited wound healing.
Found clinical trial with a new medicine for a neurological disease which traditionally has no treatment.
FINDING THE RIGHT SPECIALISTS
Breast Cancer – Memorial Sloan Kettering (New York), Dana Farber (Boston).
Neurology – University Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Georgetown (Washington DC)
Lung Cancer – Yale (New Haven), Mayo Clinic (Rochester MN)
Primary Care Physician
Prostate Cancer – Mt. Sinai (New York)
Ear Nose Throat – Columbia (New York)
Ophthalmologist – Local clinician (Lawrence, NJ)
Orthopedics – Hospital for Special Surgery
GETTING FASTER APPOINTMENTS
We are often able to reach world class physicians on weekends, after hours and while on vacations (Italy, Greece, Baltics)
Explain the situation and provide full record backup as well as key medical points that need to be discussed.
Many specialists are booked out for six months. Able to squeeze patients in.
Helping You Understand & Prepare
Every decision we make is shaped by a clear sense of purpose. Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
NAVIGATING THE MEDICAL SYSTEM
Safety during hospitalizations
Obtaining medical records
Doctors’ visits and how to record and track information
DIAGNOSIS SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Explain the condition so that there is understanding and specific questions can be asked of the clinician.
Providing a patient history, key conditions, research on the issues and key questions that need to be answered.
Providing a list of key questions to use and ask when going to a clinician appointment.
Provide guidance on home care versus nursing facilities.
“Without his introduction I never could have had my case addressed by such a high level of professionals.”
“I am so pleased to be able to write a recommendation about Dr. Sadock who literally saved my life due to his extremely thoughtful and competent care that I received from him a little over 6 years ago.
I originally was struggling with a continuous dry throat which was misdiagnosed as acid reflux by an ENT doctor, which subsequently, one year later, was then diagnosed but then grew to stage IV throat cancer. My outlook for the future didn’t look too promising. I was depressed, didn’t know who to turn to for help and accordingly updated my will to get things in order. I called two local oncologists and was told that they were too busy and couldn’t see me for two weeks. Fortunately, I remembered that someone had once mentioned to me that Dr. Sadock had helped him break through the confusing medical system enabling that person to immediately get to see a top specialist that he needed.
With that recollection, I contacted Dr. Sadock who seemed to drop everything, listened to my story and within days had arranged for me to meet with heads of the oncology departments at both Sloan Kettering and Yale Medical in addition to him speaking to the head at Mass General on my behalf. He had me make the final decision as to which doctor and institution I would use for treatment but without his introduction I never could have had my case addressed by such a high level of professionals. My decision was to go to Yale for treatment and along the way, Dr Sadock kept in close contact with me offering continuous guidance and support. I was both mentally and physically lost. It was a difficult period being on both chemo and radiation but thanks to Dr. Sadock and the superb care that I received at Yale, and after a terribly difficult two years of treatment and recovery, I’m fortunate to be alive to tell my story.”
Paul L.
"I don't think my mom would be where she is now if it wasn't for you. I think that meeting itself was lifesaving."
— Jen, daughter of patient“I'm VERY confident that their informed, second opinion relating to prescribed medications prevented far more serious medical complications.”
“I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly share my experience with the team of dedicated professionals at Pilot Rock Medical Navigators. Recently, while participating in a sporting event, I was involved in a serious fall which required major orthopedic surgery to address my injuries. Unfortunately the incident and operation happened far away from my home and my standard medical care providers. Pilot Rock's team helped me successfully navigate the uncertainty and maze of multiple medical and postoperative recovery options and strategies. Their expertise, availability and compassion were a timely gift. I'm VERY confident that their informed, second opinion relating to prescribed medications prevented far more serious medical complications. Thank you Pilot Rock for stewarding me through a difficult situation. Thanks to you I am healing fast & complete and looking forward to returning to athletic competition in the near future.”
Kelly P.