Do I Need A Patient Advocate

Posted on

Jun 19, 2013

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Utah - Utah

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Everyone knows suffering. Often, when we are the most wounded, and we need help the most, we dont know where to get it. Navigating the dizzying medical-care maze can be both time-consuming and confusing.
This is where a Patient Advocate comes in. What does a "Patient Advocate" do? The simple answer is that they help people navigate the healthcare system. A Patient Advocate acts as a support structure, and if legally contracted to do so, may act as a liaison between a patient and their Health Care Provider and/or Insurance Company. The Patient Advocate does not compete with your healthcare provider, they offer assistance where the role of physician becomes limited. A Patient Advocate can help alleviate the pain and the frustration that goes with the worry of uncertainty, fear, and the unknown related to health care issues.
The Healthcare system is changing dramatically. There are thousands of pages to read to keep up with the changes. To add to the complexity, each insurance plan and each insurance company have different contracts and rules for individual policies. Each insurance company has a different contract and payment schedule with individual hospitals and providers. It is easy to see how we find ourselves in a maze that is difficult if not impossible to navigate. The addition of long waits and runarounds add to this frustration.
Do you need a Patient Advocate? Consider hiring an advocate if:

You have several medical conditions to follow.
You are unable to think clearly. Some people are in shock following a diagnosis. Some medications impact the patients comprehension and concentration, and some conditions are complicated to understand.
You have been diagnosed with a progressive or degenerative illness.
You have a chronic illness that requires follow up care.
You have medical bills that you don't completely understand or have the time or energy to deal with. Each provider bills separately, even within the hospital, and there is a high percentage of bills with errors. An advocate can be a medical bill detective.

The need for Patient Advocacy relates to people of all ages and life styles. It doesn't discriminate.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Patricia Horne, a Professional Patient Advocate with Patient Advocate Solutions, and may be reached at 801-698-0919 or by email at pat@PatientAdvocateSolutions.com

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