I recently posted tips from Michael J. Saks & Stephan Landsman, authors of the new book Closing Death's Door. I also had the opportunity to do an email interview to learn more. For more information, check out the book!
How common are medical errors?
Medical errors are the #1 cause of accidental deaths in the U.S., exceeding all other causes (car crashes, workplace accidents, etc., etc.) added together. Another way to think about it: Except for heart disease and cancer, nothing kills more Americans each year than medical errors.
You mention finding a second opinion - how can patients look for someone to offer that second opinion?
Find another doctor in the relevant specialty. To do that, ask for recommendations from friends or relatives, look in the yellow pages, check Yelp. When you have a couple of names, Google them to see if they are experienced/qualified in what you need. Call up that doctor’s office and make an appointment, and tell them straight out that you are seeking a second opinion. Or call up a large practice group in your area (like Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, Intermountain, Geisinger, a university hospital) and ask for an appointment in the relevant department. They’ll assign one of their doctors for you. Most health insurers will pay for a second opinion. (Look in your insurance brochure or call them and ask.)
What if patients or their caregivers are conflict-averse or don't have a lot of self-confidence? How can they raise questions?
Almost everyone knows a friend or relative who is more assertive than the rest. When choosing a person to stay close to you in the hospital, try to include a friend like that. On the other hand, it needn’t involve conflict or assertiveness -- just ask questions. Politely. If ultimately the answers worry you, many hospitals have “patient advocates” or a similar office you can turn to for help.
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