Every year, thousands of people in the United States are harmed by medical errors. In fact, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 7 percent of all patient admissions involved a preventable adverse event related to medication, surgery, or health care associated infections.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself from medical errors. One of the most important things you can do is to be an active participant in your own health care. This means being informed about your condition and treatment options, and asking questions if you don’t understand something.

You should also make sure to have a good relationship with your doctor or other health care provider. This will make it more likely that they will listen to your concerns and take your needs into account when making decisions about your care.

What is the ACA?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a health care reform law that was passed in 2010. The ACA has made it easier for people to get health insurance, and it has also included several provisions to protect patients from medical errors.

The ACA includes the following provisions to protect patients from medical errors:

Increased transparency: The ACA requires hospitals and other health care providers to report medical errors to the government. This information is then made public, so that patients can make informed decisions about their care.
Improved quality of care: The ACA provides funding for programs that improve the quality of health care. These programs include initiatives to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety.
Patient protections: The ACA includes several provisions that protect patients from being harmed by medical errors. These provisions include the right to file a complaint with the government if you believe you have been harmed by a medical error, and the right to receive compensation if you have been injured by a medical error.

How Can I File a Complaint About a Medical Error?

If you believe you have been harmed by a medical error, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine. The Board is responsible for investigating complaints of medical errors and taking disciplinary action against doctors and other health care providers who have committed malpractice.

Filing a complaint can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you have the right to file a complaint and seek compensation if you have been harmed by a medical error.