Medical Errors in US Surgical Patients Cost Nearly $1.5 Billion Annually

Courtesy of Indox Consulting, we have been informed of important information regarding
the significant cost of healthcare errors.  Specifically, a recent analysis by the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) indicates that employers pay out $1.47 billion each year to cover the costs incurred from potentially preventable adverse medical events in surgical patients. As reported in the July 28th issue of Health Services Research, the AHRQ's Dr. William E. Encinosa and Dr. Fred J. Hellinger estimated the
costs of surgical errors by analyzing data from a nationwide sample of more than 161,000 adult patients who underwent surgery in 2001 and 2002 and were enrolled in
employer-sponsored benefit plans.  The researchers looked for 14 potentially preventable errors divided into 7 groups, including technical problems, infections, pulmonary and vascular problems, acute  respiratory failure, metabolic problems, wound problems, and nursing-sensitive events.

Results
The results show that respiratory failure and infections were particularly costly adverse
events. Insurers paid $28,218 and $19,480 extra for a surgical patient who experienced
respiratory failure or infection, respectively, relative to a similar patient without these
problems. Other added costs included $12,196 for nursing-sensitive events, $11,797
for metabolic problems, $7838 for pulmonary and vascular problems, and $1426 for wound problems.  The results also indicate that about 1 in 10 deaths occurring within 90 days of surgery stemmed from a preventable error, and roughly 1 in 3 deaths occurred following initial hospital discharge.

"Like the physical and emotional harm caused by medical errors, the financial consequences don't stop at the hospital door," AHRQ director Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy said in a statement.  "Eliminating medical errors and their after-effects must continue to be top priority for our healthcare system."

If you or someone you love has suffered injury as the result of medical malpractice,
please contact Cline Farrell Christie Lee & Caress today for a free consultation.  We have extensive experience in handling medical malpractice cases, and we will be happy to evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights and options.  We look forward to hearing from you and we welcome the opportunity to serve and assist you.