Medial mistakes. Just simple "Oh, sorry, I goofed" kinds of things.
In addition to that, thousands more suffer from "preventable complications" of medical treatment - most often in hospitals. This, of course, means further treatment along with the human suffering. And that means more money.
According to today's Parade Magazine, the cost is so high that in October Medicare stopped paying hospitals to treat patients for some problems caused by mistakes made during their hospital stay. That's fine for Medicare, but do private insurers also refuse to pay? And if they do, do the hospitals demand payment from the patients?
Everyone I know who has been the victim of a hospital's mistake got the bill for treatment.
The good news is that since hospitals make so much money from Medicare, they are now exploring ways to cut down on mistakes. We knew it was about the money, but that statement certainly makes it clear!
The Parade article went into detail about how to protect yourself if you have to go to the hospital - you can read the full article here.
In addition to hospital-acquired infections, surgery on the wrong body parts, instruments left inside bodies, etc., one of the most serious threats is from medication. Inside the hospital you may be given the wrong medication or the wrong dosage, but be careful at home too.
I used to think it sounded crazy when the TV ads said to be sure and tell your doctor what medications you're taking - but since doctors don't read charts and you may have more than one doctor, it isn't so crazy. DO be sure you tell your doctor, and then ask about possible interactions and side effects.
Then, before you actually take any new medication, do your own research. Get on line and learn all you can before you risk your life!
The bottom line: keep working on staying healthy so you don't need hospitals or prescription drugs.
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