Why Most Medical Malpractice Victims Never Recover a Dime - Part 4

In 2008, Medicare funded by the United States stopped paying hospitals for several conditions and infections acquired after a patient is admitted.  Under this policy, the costs can’t be passed on to the patient.

The idea is to make doctors and hospitals more responsible.  It is felt that many problems are preventable and shouldn’t be occurring in the first place if proper procedures are being followed.  The list of what isn’t covered includes:

• pressure ulcers,
• objects left in the patient following surgery,
• air embolism,
• catheter-associated infections,
• surgical site infections, and
• falls and trauma.

This has caused quite a stir among hospitals and doctors in the United States.  U.S. Medicare expects to save millions of dollars and force changes that could save thousands of lives.  Canada should find ways to follow suit.