Every year, medical mistakes cost the U.S. a staggering amount of money. Medical errors accounted for more than $19.5 billion in 2008, according to a study commissioned by the Society of Actuaries.

The report reveals that there were 1.5 million medical errors made that wasted a significant amount of time and money and resulted in not providing optimal care for patients.

"Of the $19.5 billion in total costs, approximately $17 billion was the result of providing inpatient, outpatient and prescription drug services to individuals who were affected by medical errors," said MBA Actuaries managing director Jim Toole. "While this cost is staggering, it also highlights the need to reduce errors and improve quality and efficiency in American healthcare."

Fortunately, there are things people can do to help prevent medical errors from taking place. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that patient involvement has been shown to yield more positive care. Furthermore, they recommend that people select to have procedures performed at hospitals that specialize in the treatment they need whenever the option is available from their health insurance company.