More than a decade ago, the National Academy of Sciences published a report about preventable medical errors and the patients who unfortunately suffer them. The NAS found over 100,000 deaths that were attributed to medical errors that could have been prevented or averted.

That study fueled a recent report produced by the Office of Inspector General. According to the OIG, about 86% of adverse errors are not reported by medical staff and that these obscured mistakes cause the hospitalization of roughly 130,000 Medicare beneficiaries every month because the patient's condition worsens due to these errors.

Covering up medical errors is a heinous act by hospital staff members who are attempting to save either themselves or fellow employees from potential litigation. While the OIG's report into the apparently pervasive nature of unreported medical errors gives patients a reminder just how serious medical processes are, it also shows how even the most skilled and experienced professionals can make a mistake.

Doctors and nurses work very hard to remain in their positions, and they are held to a high standard because they are dealing with the fragility of life. There is little room for mistakes when dealing with a person's health and wellbeing. That high standard must be met; otherwise a patient has the right to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Such a suit could cite many expenses pertaining to the malpractice episode, covering things like undue pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life or even death.

OIG recommended two conditions to improve the medical mistakes cited in their report. In addition to more training, OIG thinks that further education is needed for hospital staff so that they know how to properly report a medical error.

Source: The Politics of Healthcare, "New Report Shows 86% of Hospital Errors Unreported," Michael LaMagna, Jan. 12, 2012