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Ask The Patient Advocate
Medical Errors in Healthcare: Why Advocacy Matters
Season 1, Ep. 78
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Have you ever wondered what could happen if a doctor misreads a test result? Or if a medication change never gets communicated? Or if an important follow-up simply slips through the cracks?
Medical errors happen far more often than most people realize and the consequences can be life-changing. But the good news is this: many of these errors can be caught early, and patients don’t have to navigate that risk alone.
In this powerful episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli is joined by assistant patient advocate and experienced physician associate Katelyn Klitzke, who brings years of clinical experience from Mayo Clinic and MinuteClinic. Together, they break down why medical errors remain such a widespread problem and how private patient advocacy offers an essential layer of protection in today’s complex healthcare system.
You’ll learn:
✔️ What “medical errors” actually include — and why they’re more common than you think
✔️ How medication errors happen during transitions of care (and how advocates catch them)
✔️ Why rushed appointments, staffing shortages, and fragmented communication increase risks
✔️ The exact ways a patient advocate prevents mistakes, from reviewing records to tracking results
✔️ Real-life examples of errors caught before they caused harm
✔️ The #1 thing every patient should start doing today to protect themselves
Medical errors may be one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., but they don’t have to define your healthcare experience. With the right support, patients and families can stay informed, protected, and prepared no matter how complex the system becomes.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, Pathway Patient Advocates is here to help you review your records, communicate with providers, and ensure nothing important gets missed. You don’t have to navigate the healthcare system alone.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward one step at a time.
Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.
If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.
For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395
Take control of your healthcare journey with confidence.
✨ Enroll today in our Patient Advocacy Course and learn how to speak up, stay organized, and make informed decisions about your care or your loved one’s.
👉 Visit https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/ to get started.
Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:
Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates
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