Patients Urged To Report Medical Mistakes
The Obama Administration is currently creating a program that allows patients to report medical mistakes or negative experiences at healthcare facilities. The federal government believes that getting feedback from patients and their families will give them a more comprehensive view of the problems that need to be addressed within the healthcare industry. If the program helps hospitals understand where they need to improve their performance, it could lead to a decrease in occurrences of medical negligence in New York and other states.
Even though patients continue to suffer severe injuries and die as a result of medical errors, very few victims file malpractice claims. According to a study conducted by Harvard University, only one medical malpractice claim is filed for every seven incidences in the state of New York. Acts of negligence include misdiagnosing a medical condition, providing the wrong drug dosage, and surgical mistakes.
The Sanders Firm has the expertise and resources needed to help more victims exercise their rights against negligent doctors and medical facilities. If you were harmed or a loved one died due to a doctor’s improper standard of care, a NY medical malpractice attorney will work aggressively to help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Reporting system for medical negligence in New York
The federal government’s program consists of patient questionnaires that can be completed online or over the phone. Paper questionnaires will also be available at doctors’ offices and hospitals. Getting valuable information from the patients will put a spotlight on the numerous problems within hospitals that lead to injuries and deaths that could otherwise be prevented.
The questionnaire asks patients to describe what occurred, the date the event happened, the type of injury inflicted, where the patient received medical treatment, the name of the physician responsible for the error, and if the incident was already reported to another individual or organization. The questionnaire will also ask patients to list any factors that could have contributed to the medical error such as the patient being treated in a discriminatory manner due to race, language or culture, the physician’s inability to communicate well with the patient, or the hospital staff members not working cohesively.
The government plans on launching the program in May 2013. Researchers at ECRI Institute and RAND Corporation will analyze the information collected from patients.
So far, patient safety advocates are very receptive to this new initiative. They are hoping this project will lead to reforms in healthcare that result in fewer reports of medical negligence in New York and a higher quality of patient care.
File a medical malpractice lawsuit
Attorneys at The Sanders Firm are dedicated professionals who have successfully represented victims of medical negligence in New York for over 45 years. The physical and emotional devastation experienced by patients and their families cannot be underestimated.
Our firm has secured millions of dollars in settlements and court judgments to cover our clients’ medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other expenses directly related to the harm caused by the healthcare facility.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at The Sanders Firm if you or a loved one was harmed as a result of medical malpractice. We have offices conveniently located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island. An experienced NY medical malpractice attorney will evaluate your case and inform you of your legal options. Call us toll-free at 1.800 FAIR PLAY (800.324.7752).
