Patient Advocacy & TMI (Too Much Information)
Remember the TMI warning? It’s about to get real. There is a lot of examining, testing and scanning. All this testing began when I went to see my GYN doctor because I was having this very clear, slightly pink vaginal discharge. Not normal, but I...
Patient Advocacy & an Ovarian Mass
Yes- I am now the patient. In September of 2018, an ultra-sound of my pelvis revealed a mass/cyst (it’s both) the size of an orange in and around my left ovary. I was immediately referred to a GYN/ONCOLOGIST who basically told me that based on my...
What's an "Elder Orphan," "Solo Ager," or "Solo"?
The term Elder Orphan refers to a growing demographic within our aging population. Rising in number, this fast-growing segment is garnering the attention of the nation. A working definition of this growing population is: “Elder Orphans or Solos...
Surprise Medical Bills and Balance Billing.... or Just Billed?
When you go to a hospital that is In-Network it only seems natural to think that everyone you work with at the hospital is covered within the facility. However, that is not the case. Clients have even come to me where they received medically...
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Paying Cash for Your Medical Care
There's a little secret out there for healthcare consumers that has the potential to save them hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Whether you are insured or not, the option of how to pay for your care offers an eye-opening glimpse into a system...
Aging in Place: Staying Safe and Healthy at Home
Most adults would like to age in place (live at home independently and comfortably) for as long as possible. According to AARP, ninety percent of adults over the age of 65 state that they would like to stay in their current residence, though many...
Case Study----Patient Advocates and Medical Malpractice Lawyers Collaborate
For patient advocates to succeed, they must work collaboratively with physicians, social workers, discharge planners, insurance companies, and must interact with family members of the client. Many patient advocates are involved with patients who...
We’re Here…. But Who Are We?
There’s plenty out there about what patient advocates do. In the big picture, we help patients navigate the health care system. But what does that really mean? We are… problem-solvers A client came to me after trying for over 6 months to resolve...
Waking Up the Nation: Why GNA Matters
No one teaches us HOW to be a patient. When we are seen by the doctor or hospital and if something is seriously wrong, we rely on the system and professionals to point the way. Although this issue usually comes up when ‘the way’ is not black and...
Maintaining Sanity; Burnout and Other Challenges for Family Caregivers
Support and assistance is properly focused on the needs of those afflicted with chronic and acute illness, and aging. Cancer Support Community, Alzheimer’s Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and many other organizations...
Regaining Your Strength After a Hospital Stay: 5 Tips!
Part of what I do as an advocate is help make transitions out of care facilities as smooth as possible. In an ideal system, safe transfer between and out of facilities would be a given, but very often, this is simply not the case. Here are my 5...
The Brave Case Manager and The Duty to Advocate: A Case Study
“What happens when the duty to advocate is at odds with your employer? Do you jeopardize your job and livelihood in order to plead the cause of your patient?” Advocacy is the third provision of the Code of Ethics for Nurses. For nurse case...