The other night my friend and I went to our favorite late-night doughnut shop and were seated next to a veteran and his wife. After we chatted for a bit, he mentioned how the scandal at a Miami Veteran Administration’s health facility has caused him to live in fear, because he had received treated there several years ago.

Best practices in regards to patient care obviously were not utilized at the VA hospitals that have claimed the good health of thousands of veterans in Miami, Tennessee, and Georgia. During a time of technological advancement in medicine, the fact that some health facilities could compromise patient care, and safety, to this extent, is mind-boggling.

A story published in the Miami Herald last week, reported the scandal is a result of the risks that hospitals take when they allow under-trained staff to perform duties, in which they lack knowledge, and experience. It also noted poor communication between members of medical staff.

That being said, how many providers of physician services are working in areas, in which they lack experience? And how can patients protect themselves to the best of their abilities when visiting hospitals?