Share:
Over 3,000 treatment errors in TK insured persons?
Almost 300 suspected cases of a treatment error were reported in 2015 alone in Hesse at the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). Nationwide, TK recorded 3,275 suspected treatment errors last year. "More than half of the allegations relate to errors in operations or a wrong diagnosis was made," said the TK.
Of the suspected cases of medical malpractice nationwide, most concerned the surgical field (1,204 cases), but also dental cases (387), complaints about orthopedic treatments (194) and general practitioners (192) were not uncommon according to TK data. Although not every case of suspicion turns out to be a treatment error, we also suspect a high number of unreported cases in addition to the reported cases, "emphasizes Christian Soltau, TC expert in medical law.
More than 3,000 suspected treatment errors were reported to the Techniker Krankenkasse in 2015. (Image: arahan / fotolia.com) Every single mistake is one too many
According to the TK, it is often difficult for patients to estimate to what extent a treatment error has occurred. Many find it difficult to "distinguish whether their illness is fateful or if there is a treatment error." Thus, not every suspected case is confirmed in the end. Nevertheless, "every single mistake is one too many" Barbara Voß, Director of the TK-Landesvertretung in Hessen. "There is a commitment and challenge for those working in healthcare to avoid treatment errors."
Get the right conclusions from mistakes
In modern medicine, the complexity and thus the risk of ever new sources of error are continuously increasing. All the more important is the further expansion of the safety culture in the health service, reports the TK. In many cases, errors still focus on the question of who made a mistake. But much more important is "the question of what has caused the error and how it can be avoided in the future," emphasizes Dr. med. Voss ... If the right consequences are drawn from mistakes, patients can be provided with better and safer care, according to the director of the TK-Landesvertretung in Hessen.
Process faster
If there is a suspicion of a treatment error, TK recommends that the insured person "first of all talk to their doctor about this." The affected person can then seek advice from their health insurance provider. The clarification of treatment-error allegations is usually a "time-consuming, complex and often difficult procedure," reports the TK. For example, it might take several months from the requirement of all necessary medical documents to the creation of a required report. "Often, those affected have to wait several years until it's clear whether they will receive compensation," said the TK. In the opinion of the health insurance company, the procedures should be "handled much faster and the persons affected compensated early, because in severe cases insured persons can no longer work after a treatment error and are therefore threatened in their financial existence." (Fp)