Osteopathic medicine is one of two distinct branches of medical practice in the United States.
Significantly, D.O.s represent more than 15 percent of the physicians practicing in communities of less than 10,000 and 18 percent of physicians serving communities of 2,500 or less. We also are concerned that because of the wide variations in the reported numbers, statistical errors may exist within the report. The number of adverse events in comparison to the number of patient interactions by physicians and health care providers may be statistically minimal and would encourage a study to examine the frequency of adverse events versus the total number. The members of the osteopathic medical profession have long supported efforts to improve patient care by drastically reducing medical errors. We support forums that explore ways in which healthcare organizations can participate in the effort to reduce medical errors.