New Study Cites Medical Error – 3rd Leading Cause of Death in US

A new study cites medical error as the third leading cause of death in the U.S. right behind heart disease and cancer. The study conducted by BMJ also suggested most medical errors are not reported as medical errors.

Dr. Martin Makary, one of the doctors who lead the study, suggests that because death certificates don’t require enough data, the cause of death listed on the certificate is associated to the insurance billing code. He goes on to say billing codes are designed to boost billing and not track medical errors.

Makary also contends medical errors could be reduced if hospitals made more investments in technology.

Read the entireCNN article here or listen to BMJ Talk Medicine via Soundcloud.
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