Secrets To Avoiding July Hospital Deaths
A new study released in June 2010 showed that inexperienced doctors may put patients at risk during the month of July
. The study looked at nearly a quarter of a million deaths and found that fatal medication errors may be caused by new inexperienced physicians-in-training that start their rotations in July of every year. The phenomenon of increased medical mistakes due to eager but inexperienced doctors had been termed the "July Effect."
If you will be in the hospital during the month of July, you need to know what you can do to make sure you dont wind up a vicim of the July Effect. Whether you need bunion surgery or brain surgery, these tips from a San Francisco based foot surgeon may be your best defense against a deadly hospital surgery complication associated with greenhorn medical residents.
1) Dont Schedule Surgery In July.
All of those eager inexperienced doctors start their new jobs on July 1st in hospitals all over the U.S. It makes no difference where live, all of the teaching hospitals get new interns and residents on July 1st of every year. This is why they are more likely to make medical errors. Because they are also eager to try new surgical procedures, they might get in over their heads in surgery.
2) Avoid University Hospitals In July.
If you need elective surgery (like bunion removal surgery or an ankle ligament repair) see if you can have the surgery at an outpatient surgery center. Outpatient surgery centers have more consistent staffing and fewer medical students or interns providing care for surgical patients. This means there is less chance of an experienced doctor interfering with your case.
3) Asks Lots Of Questions!
It is your right as a patient to know what procedure will be done and who will perform the operation. This same rule applies to your inpatient medical care if you need an overnight stay in the hospital. Ask if any students, interns or residents will scrub in during your surgery. You can refuse to have student doctors operating on you. By asking questions about the doctors delivering your medical care and surgery, you might get the hurried physician to stop and think twice.
4) Bring A Patient Advocate With You.
If you are lucky enough to have a personal physician who provides concierge-like medical service, it is less likely that something will get missed by the other doctors. When doctors have to report their findings with other doctors, they seem to pay closer attention to the details. Even if you dont have a concierge doc on your side, bring a family member who is willing to ask hard questions about your care. This will keep the doctor on his toes.
5) Choose Out-of-Network Physicians Whenever Possible.
If you have Medicare, you just cant expect personalized care. It isnt personal, it is just math. Starting on June 1, 2010 doctors who contract with Medicare took a 21% pay-cut. As a result, you can expect them to be seeing more patients in less time to make up the difference. This means less time to listen to you and your questions. This reduced reimbursement to doctors is also effecting "in-network" physicians and surgeons under many employer supported insurance plans. Most insurance companies pay In-Network doctors based on a fixed percentage of Medicare fees. If you choose an Out-of-Network surgeon you wont have to worry that your doctor is pressured for time. In general, the Out-of Network docs have more time to spend with patients, answer questions and ensure the best delivery of care.
While the study is frightening, you can protect yourself from the annual summer surgery and illness dangers. The key is making sure that you pick a doctor who enjoys spending time explaining the condition without relying upon students, interns and residents. Follow these tips and you will be immune to the July crisis often found in U.S. hospitals.
by: Dr Christopher Segler
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