Patients May Get Chance to Report Medical Mistakes

The Obama administration is exploring the idea of a new reporting system that would allow consumers to report medical errors and unsafe practices by doctors, hospitals, pharmacists, and other health care providers.

The New York Times writes that the idea for the system comes in light of the fact that medical mistakes are often not reported and patients may have information that could expose the reasons for mistakes such as drug mix-ups, surgery on the wrong body part, and radiation overdoses. These medical errors cause injuries, infections, and even deaths.

The New York Times reports that the government has said that it will use the information submitted by patients to make health care safer and that reporting would be voluntary. The reporting system envisioned by the Obama administration hopes that patients and their relatives would report medical errors through a Web site and in telephone interviews.

The proposed federal initiative got a thumb up from consumer groups. The American Medical Association said it would study the proposal.

If you or someone you know has been harmed by medical malpractice, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a medical malpractice lawyer may be able to help you.

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