Patients at Pennsylvania hospitals could be at risk because of medical mistakes. An internist at a major medical center estimates that medical error is the third leading cause of death in the United States today, killing more than 250,000 people every year and injuring many more.

Some injuries result from carelessness or hospital negligence, while others are caused intentionally. Careless errors include hospital staff leaving surgical equipment in a patient after surgery, doctors and nurses with dirty hands spreading infection among patients, and surgeons performing operations on the wrong body part or performing the wrong kind of surgery. Hospital workers also mix patients up with one another, resulting in the wrong patient being given the wrong treatment. Intentional medical errors include damage caused when an imposter impersonating a doctor "treats" patients.

Other errors can be prevented by diligent patients who don't mind taking proactive measures. Hospitals sometimes have a hard time keeping track of patients who suffer from dementia, so family members could consider a GPS tracking bracelet for a loved one who is prone to wandering. Patients who need immediate treatment can be overlooked a crowded emergency room, but patients who call ahead or, better yet, have their family doctors call ahead, can stand out in the crowd and get faster service.

There are other things patients can do to help reduce the risk of careless errors while they are hospitalized. They can make sure that medical staff is checking the patient's identification bracelet and matching the patient's name and date of birth before providing medication or treatment.

Perhaps following some of these suggestions would reduce the number of medical malpractice claims filed by injured patients. What do you think?

Source: CNN, "10 shocking medical mistakes," John Bonifield and Elizabeth Cohen, June 10, 2012