UTI Misdiagnosis Putting Seniors at Risk
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions—especially in older adults, according to a recent article in Time. In seniors, symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, loss of appetite or unsteadiness are often mistakenly attributed to a UTI, even when classic signs like painful urination are absent. This frequent misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatment and potentially harmful outcomes.
Globally, more than 400 million UTIs are diagnosed each year. In the United States alone, UTIs account for about 10.5 million doctor’s visits and 3 million emergency room trips annually. The risk increases sharply with age, becoming especially common in adults over 65.
Studies show that overdiagnosis is widespread. In some hospitals, up to 85% of UTI diagnoses in older patients are inaccurate. As a result, many seniors are prescribed antibiotics they don’t need—raising the risk of gut infections, antibiotic resistance, and, most concerning, overlooking the true cause of their symptoms.
Several factors drive the problem. Collecting a clean urine sample can be difficult in frail patients or those wearing adult diapers, often leading to contamination. In addition, many older adults naturally harbor bacteria in their bladders—a condition called asymptomatic bacteriuria—that doesn’t require treatment but is frequently treated anyway.
The deeper issue, the article suggests, is a healthcare system that’s not fully prepared for the aging population. While the number of older Americans rises, the number of board-certified geriatricians is shrinking. Most physicians never receive formal training in geriatric care, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis. A 2024 study by the John A. Hartford Foundation found that only 10% of U.S. medical schools require a geriatrics rotation—compared to 96% that mandate one in pediatrics.
Without adequate training, healthcare providers may struggle to correctly identify age-related conditions. In fact, a 2022 survey of 1,700 medical professionals in New Hampshire found that UTIs were misdiagnosed 34% of the time.
The Time article acknowledges that true UTIs can be dangerous, particularly because older adults are at risk for developing sepsis. But the author warns against jumping to conclusions. A careful approach is essential: taking a detailed history, checking vital signs, conducting a physical exam, ordering relevant labs, and closely monitoring symptoms. These steps, he notes, are key to avoiding missed or mistaken diagnoses.
If you suspect that you or a loved one is a victim of misdiagnosis at a hospital or doctor’s office, contact one of Philadelphia’s top attorneys for misdiagnosis cases. In the last few years, almost every teaching hospital in the city of Philadelphia has paid 8-figure verdicts and settlements to clients of Tom Duffy.