This article is one of a series covering back pain — causes, symptoms, and the treatments we use at Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
→ Back Pain Treatment in New York City — The Complete Guide
Medication errors have doubled from 2000 to 2012, so today we are going to look at the details of this statistic. This study comes from Clinical Toxicology, July 2017. This study discussed that medication errors have doubled between these dates. It went from 1.09 errors per 100,000 to 2.28 errors per 100,000.
A deeper look into the study revealed that 40 percent of medication errors were involving the following medicines:
- Heart Medications
- Pain Killers
- Hormone Therapy
- Insulin
The study also revealed that half of medication errors led to hospitalization. So while you can say the stats are very low at 2.28 per 100,000, if it’s your loved one that ends up being hospitalized, it can be very serious for you. Please take this into consideration.
Our advice is this:
Please remind your medical doctors if they are writing you a prescription, of the medications you’re currently on, or review what medications you’re currently on with the physician before they write them. Also talk to them about any supplements or vitamins you may be taking as well. Feel free to ask the MD any questions you have about the medication prior to leaving. You can also ask the pharmacist specifics on its usage. Make sure everything is very clear before you start taking it.
This is important because if you go into a facility such as a walk in clinic for a focus exam and they’re checking you out for shoulder pain and you fail to go over your entire health history which should include the medications you’re on, that can lead to an error. Please remember that current medications, prior history, and current supplementation should be talked about prior to receiving any prescriptions.
If you have any questions on our treatment options in New York, please contact us, we would be happy to help you and see what we can do for you.
In pain? Want a tune up? Call us today (908) 325 – 3000. We can treat and help you.
Dr Shan Sivendra MD is the founder and medical director of Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. A board-certified medical doctor, certified acupuncturist, and Director of House Physicians at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Dr Sivendra has been practicing in New York since 1995.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (affiliated with Mount Sinai School of Medicine) and received the Resident Research Award for three consecutive years.
Dr Sivendra has a background spanning internal medicine, pain management, and conservative spine rehabilitation, and was licensed in both the US and the UK.
At Back and Body Medical, he leads a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists dedicated to helping patients recover from pain without surgery or unnecessary medication.
Further Reading: Back Pain