Patient vigilance could help prevent doctor errors

Although patients in New York rely on the expertise of their doctors and other health care providers, they should still take steps to protect themselves from medical mistakes. Researchers consistently find that misdiagnosis is the leading category of medical error.

A report compiled by a Johns Hopkins University of Medicine associate professor of neurology attributed approximately 160,000 incidents of hospital patients dying or suffering permanent injuries from a missed diagnosis, a misdiagnosis or a delayed one each year. The professor recommended that people protect themselves by disclosing as much information to doctors as possible, asking a doctor to justify a diagnosis, and immediately reporting treatments that do not relieve symptoms.

In addition to misdiagnoses, wrong-site surgery is a preventable medical error that happens often enough that insurance companies sometimes refuse to pay for the procedures. Experts suggest that patients label the correct body part prior to surgery. Uncoordinated care among doctors also leads to errors when one doctor does not know about another doctor's prescribed treatments or medications. Once again, a patient should not assume that a health care provider is aware of the actions of another professional.

Despite all efforts to monitor health care decisions and actions, a sick or injured person might be too vulnerable or incapacitated to detect potential errors. A person who has suffered an injury because of doctor negligence might choose to discuss the potential of a medical malpractice lawsuit with an attorney. An evaluation of the patient's medical records by the attorney could reveal evidence that would support a finding of a failure to exhibit the appropriate standard of care. Counsel might also be able to arrange for expert testimony to strengthen a lawsuit that would seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.