To The Editor
Regarding: The Value of Disclosing Medical Error
I write this in response to an article* posted by ALICIA GALLEGOS, of American Medical News, posted June 1, 2011. I heartily support the Lockton Report analyzing the findings of Aug. 17, 2010, issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. Such disclosures are not only good business but are also required.
American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics says physicians are ethically obligated to disclose what happened “when a patient suffers significant medical complications that may have resulted from a physician’s error.”
The attempt to cover up medical errors results in those involved eventually forgetting the fact that errors occurred. Instead of correcting the practices leading to harm all energy is expended in making it seem that nothing untoward occurred.
I am a trial attorney and have represented victims of malpractice for 34 years. I think it absurd that I have to speak for the victims because their doctors, nurses, etc. won’t.
Sincerely,
Jerry I. Meyers
Pittsburgh, Pa
*this article is no longer available at its original source (http://www.amednews.com/article/20110601/profession/306019996/8/)
**Jerry Meyers retired from the firm in 2021.