This week, USA Today reported that despite efforts, an estimated 98,000 deaths occur annually due to medical errors. One could argue whether this is an accurate number, but that sidesteps the issue: that such a number of errors could still occur in this age of heightened awareness, significant threat of litigation, advances in technology and the like.

Undoubtedly, unforeseen complications will always occur, and realistically there is little we can do to avoid them completely. But opportunities exist that will allow us to reduce many errors. Physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers must be allowed to work together toward solutions in an environment that is not contaminated by a constant threat of a malpractice claim. Let’s face it: we want to do the right thing to ensure the safest and best care possible, but we cannot accomplish this if we are distracted by the "legal eagles."

Potentially, the solutions rest in advances in technology, including electronic medical records, sufficient and fair payments by insurance providers to allow for the training and hiring of skilled and adequate staffs of healthcare workers, vertical integration of healthcare systems and old-fashioned dedication to the cause. Realistically, it can be accomplished; practically, it will not be done overnight.

Stephen E. Pascucci, MD Medical Editor [email protected]