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IU Health Utilizes New Technology To Prevent Medical Errors From Occurring

April 10, 2013

Surgical sponges being left in the bodies of patients can be a costly, and potentially deadly, mistake that can result in an Indiana Medical Malpractice claim being filed. To keep these mistakes from occurring at facilities in the IU Health system, the group has invested in a piece of technology that can help prevent such surgical errors.

An article from FOX 59 News stated three hospitals in the IU Health system have been equipped with radio frequency tracking devices that can be used to ensure surgical sponges are not left in the body of patients after having a procedure preformed. The devices cost the hospitals around $250,000, yet only adds an additional cost to patients of around $8 per procedure when the device is used.

One particular hospital saw a total of 13 incidents involving sponges being left in patients six-years ago; however, since the system was implemented, the facility has recorded no such surgical errors.

The use of the technology came just after an executive order mandated that all cases of foreign objects being left in a patient’s body be reported to the state.

Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin and their team of Terre Haute Personal Injury Attorneys applaud the efforts being made to prevent surgical errors at hospitals in Indiana; however, accidents can still occur. The firm may be able to help if a patient has been harmed by an error that was made while under the care of a physician.

Reach out to a Terre Haute Personal Injury Attorney Today

The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.

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