Research shows that 440,000 people are killed every year by preventable medical errors in the U.S. Yet, it is an incredibly difficult task for patients to find out how safe their local hospitals are. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reversed its decision to stop tracking and publicly reporting 8 egregious medicals errors. This decision came after media attention and many stakeholders weighing in that lack of tracking and public reporting of medical errors was a step back for patient safety.

This is a positive step by CMS to increase transparency, but there is still no simple way for patients to find out the safety record of a hospital. Please call us if you have any questions as to how to check on such matters.