The Cost of Measurable Medical Errors In 2008 Was $17.1 Billion

 The cost of measurable medical errors in 2008 was $17.1 billion.  These include errors such as pressure ulcers, postoperative infections, and accidental punctures.  Ten types of errors account for more than two-thirds of the total cost of measurable errors.

Bos, Jill Van Den et al. "The $17.1 Billion Problem: The Annual Cost of Measurable Medical Errors." Health Affairs 30.4 (2011): 596-602.