Patient Safety and Medical Mistakes

An outstanding 83% of Massachusetts hospitals earned an “A” rating on the fall 2012 Leapfrog hospital safety scores, while only 30% did so nationally.  These scores rank hospitals in their ability to reduce infections, injuries, and medical and medication errors. 

If you or a loved one is planning a hospital admission, find out the hospital’s patient safety rating.

Robert Sorrenti, M.D., Regional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of the UniCare State Indemnity Plan, describes the pros and cons of minimally invasive surgery.

The Leapfrog Group, a coalition of employers, including the GIC, committed to the safety, quality and affordability of health care for Americans, bestowed their safety award on six area hospitals in December 2009.

Choosing the right hospital can make a difference.

Reduce Your Risk for Medication Errors

Having surgery? What you can do to minimize surgical infections

Eight Massachusetts Hospitals were recognized for their progress in implementing patient safety practices.

It's in your best interest to check out your hospital options. Tools you need to research your hospital options are now available!

The Leapfrog Group, a national coalition of large employers and government agencies committed to improving patient safety, has expanded into Massachusetts.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) developed a list of sensible questions you should ask your doctor before you schedule any surgery.

The Maine State Employee Health Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Medical Assistance took up the torch to improve patient safety.

The Group Insurance Commission voted to require plans to provide information relating to hospital-based safety measures. The GIC will eventually provide this information to you to assist you with your health care decision making.

Take charge of your health care. The U.S. government's Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recommends ways that patients can reduce their risk of becoming the victim of medical mistakes:

Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) awarded and presented a Senate Citation to the Group Insurance commission at the December 2001 Commission meeting.

The National Institute of Medicine reported that up to 98 thousand people die each year in the U.S. as the result of preventable hospital-based medical errors.