Medical Errors and Risk
One study estimated the annual cost of measurable medical errors that harm patients at $17.1 billion in 2008.
Another study cited adverse medical events—medical interventions that cause harm or injury to a patient separate from the underlying medical condition—cause as many as 187,000 deaths in hospitals each year, and 6.1 million injuries, both in and out of hospitals.
A study by the Health and Human Services office of Inspector General found that preventable medical errors result in 15,000 Medicare beneficiary deaths per month in the United States. It found that the adverse occurrences resulted in $4.4 billion additional costs to the medical system. In October 2008, 134,000 Medicare patients experienced at least 1 adverse event –44% of which were preventable.
Further Reports & Articles: