Medical Billing Nightmares - "Oops. Wrong Kidney."

Medical Billing Nightmares effect medical billers AND patients alike.
I found the below quote and stats at http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourHealth/10ThingsYourHospitalWontTellYou.aspx

It is a great article. This piece stuck out to me... primarily because it demonstrates the likelihood of errors occuring in practices that are NOT technologically advanced. As a Medical Biller, educating the practice owners that you meet concerning these issues should be your priority. Errors are real, and MORE frequent in clinics, practices, and hospitals that are lagging behind in becoming computerized... Some Doc's need encouragement, some need a bit of coaxing, others need a solid shove to get them to change. For some reason, Doc's get "stuck" in their ways. They leave medical school or a hospital disgruntled and decide to open a private practice. They start habits - many of which are BAD habits - but, they are comfortable for that Doc and challenging to change. Get appointments and you WILL earn clients by demonstrating knowledge like this. For more information about networking, prospecting, what to do for appointments and what to bring to appointments, etc. visit www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com.
This alliance of medical billers in the US compiled a powerful manual which answers the pressing question ALL folks have when entering the billing industry; NOW WHAT DO I DO?

"Oops, wrong kidney."
In recent years, errors in treatment have become a serious problem for hospitals, ranging from operations on wrong body parts to medication mix-ups.
At least 1.5 million patients are harmed every year from being given the wrong drugs, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. That's an average of one person per U.S. hospital per day.
One reason these mistakes persist: Only 10% of hospitals are fully computerized and have a central database to track allergies and diagnoses, says Robert Wachter, the chief of medical service at UC San Francisco Medical Center.
But signs of change are emerging. More than 3,000 U.S. hospitals, or 75% of the country's beds, have signed on for a campaign by the not-for-profit Institute for Healthcare Improvement to implement prevention measures such as multiple checks on drugs.
Though the system is improving, it still has a long way to go. Patients should always have a friend, relative or patient advocate from the hospital staff at their side to take notes and make sure the right medications are being dispensed.