Following a Diagnosis, A Patient Advocate Can Help Lead the Way

[J Soland]

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Article Title: Following a Diagnosis, A Patient Advocate Can Help Lead the Way
Author: J Soland
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A time of illness can be very challenging, not only for the patient, but also for his or her family and friends. When you�re sick, it�s often difficult to think clearly. Add to that the growing uncertainties and fears that you may be facing, and the extra time and effort you may need to care for yourself confounded by the stress of trying to keep up with your regular responsibilities, and you will surely need help in navigating a healthcare system that is confusing at best -- and downright un-patient-friendly at worst. A trusted patient advocate can do just that � protect your interests, obtain the information you need, research treatment plans, clarify your options, act on your behalf, sort out insurance claims, and work with your doctors and nurses to ensure the best care possible.

Selecting a Patient Advocate

While a patient advocate can be a close friend or family member, a professional can also serve in this role. Many hospitals employ experienced patient representatives, social workers, nurses, or chaplains for this purpose, so if you are admitted to a hospital, you may want to inquire whether there is a patient advocate on staff. Keep in mind, however, that a hospital employee may be required to meet competing objectives. For example, he or she may not be permitted to recommend another institution or physician, even though it might be in your best interest to do so. Therefore, before selecting a hospital representative as your advocate, make sure you know his or her full agenda.

Alternatively, you may choose to hire a patient advocate independently. The best way to find a qualified individual is to ask for referrals. Then, after confirming the representative�s credentials and references, it�s important to establish a rapport. You�ll need to trust and feel comfortable with the person you choose, who may ultimately be responsible for carrying out your wishes if you are unable. You�ll also want to ensure that he or she has the requisite knowledge and understanding of the healthcare system to anticipate issues and ask the right questions, along with experience in dealing with your specific illness or concern. Also, assess whether the individual is a good listener. In order to be an effective liaison, he or she will have to be attentive to you, your family, and the various members of your healthcare team. Indeed, poor communication is often the point at which healthcare breaks down. In addition to excellent communication skills, skillful patient advocacy requires organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; creativity; empathy; polite assertiveness; and an ability to get along with a variety of people.

How to Utilize a Patient Advocate

Once you have selected a person you feel you can trust to serve as the type of advocate you need, you should decide which aspects of your healthcare you want help with, and which aspects you would like to handle on your own (be sure to fully inform your healthcare team of your advocate�s role). For example, your representative can:

� Accompany you during appointments, tests, treatments, and procedures to listen carefully, process the information given, ask the right questions, and take notes

� Perform medical research and provide information to you and your family

� Help you make decisions regarding your treatment options and assist in finding specialists, if necessary

� Sit at your hospital bedside to monitor your care, ensure that you receive the correct medications, and are adequately protected from infection

� Review your healthcare record, ensure its accuracy, and explain it to you and your family

� Scrutinize your healthcare bills and process your insurance claims

� Help you at home while you convalesce

In a perfect world, your doctors would coordinate and oversee every aspect of your care after you are diagnosed with a serious condition. Unfortunately, physicians are often double- or triple-booked and therefore lack adequate time to communicate with other members of your healthcare team and explain all of the nuances of your treatment to you. As a result, it is often left to you to research your options, locate specialists, push for time-sensitive procedures, and challenge insurance claim denials, among many other things. By assisting you with such tasks as you focus on getting well, a patient advocate can help make a big difference in the quality of healthcare you receive.


About The Author: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to patient education and advocacy. http://www.healthgrades.com/group-directory/arizona-az/scottsdale/laser-spine-institute-341f7180

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