Five-year saga: GP to face watchdog over pneumonia death
The inquest was told it was 'basic medicine' to diagnose pneumonia based on localised lung crackles
A GP who misdiagnosed pneumonia as bronchitis five years ago will be investigated after a coroner said the finding of localised crackles on auscultation should have made the diagnosis obvious.
The Townsville GP saw Matthew Anthony Russo when he presented with a history of flu-like symptoms and a worsening productive cough.
The 37-year-old was obese, smoked approximately 25 cigarettes a day and during the consult did not reveal he had recently used methamphetamines.
The GP said Mr Russo told him of streaking blood in his sputum. He also