Table 2. Taxonomy of Diagnostic Error Dimensions.

Process dimension	Description	Example
Provider-patient encounter	Problems with history, physical exam, or ordering diagnostic tests for further work-up	Significant symptoms are not noted or acted upon at the time of the encounter
Diagnostic tests	Problems with ordered tests either not performed or performed/interpreted incorrectly	Incorrect laboratory test result due to mislabeled specimen
Follow-up and tracking	Problems with follow-up of abnormal diagnostic test results or scheduling of follow-up visits	No follow-up of an abnormal X-ray despite suspicious finding
Referrals	Lack of appropriate actions on requested consultation or communication breakdown from consultant to referring provider	Consultant requests additional information from referring provider, but referring provider does not respond to the inquiry
Patient related	Delay in follow-up appointments, uncertainty over how to react to abnormal test results, low adherence, failure to provide critical history information	Patient does not show up for a scheduled diagnostic test