There are many good doctors who make mistakes, but even they must be held accountable for their errors. If someone learns from a mistake, it’s possible to prevent injuries to others in the future. If the mistake is severe enough, it’s possible the medical provider should not be licensed.
There are a number of common mistakes that you need to look out for as a patient. The first is being treated incorrectly because the medical provider has mixed you up with another patient. Whether you are in a hospital or a local doctor’s office, your doctors and nurses should verify your name and your date of birth each time you book an appointment and arrive at the office. If you feel the doctor is saying confusing things or seems to be talking about someone else, make sure to speak up.
You could also suffer if you receive the wrong medications. There are several times in which medications could go wrong. For instance, your doctor could write the wrong prescription or the pharmacy could fill the wrong medication. Always verify what you’re receiving with the pharmacist and your medical provider.
Another thing that some people don’t like to speak up about is a doctor’s lack of hygiene or a lack of hygiene in the office. You have a right to ask the doctor to wash his or her hands. You can also clarify that tools being used to treat you have been cleaned.
If you are injured as a result of negligence and errors, your attorney can help. You may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Source: NewsMax, “10 Mistakes Even Good Doctors Make,” Lynn Allison, accessed May 30, 2017