More than 70 percent of adults in the U.S. report being dissatisfied with the health care system, according to many of the surveys taken over many years. Navigating the medical services network can be stressful and overwhelming. In conversations with my clients, they have asked what they can do to try and clarify what was said when they visit a doctor’s or dentist’s office, particularly as it relates to treatment options. Here’s my advice:
Patients should always be prepared to advocate for themselves. Self-advocacy can include:
- Coming to appointments with a list of questions and current medications
- Completing paperwork in advance
- Researching what their insurance covers
These tasks can be challenging for many facing the stress of a new diagnosis or handling a chronic condition. Some illnesses, such as dementia, may affect a patient’s ability to self-advocate.
Patient Advocates
When someone struggles to assert their needs or feels confused by the health care system, patient advocates can provide crucial support. Championing the patient’s best interests, a patient or health care advocate works to ensure that the patient receives appropriate care.
A family member, a close friend, or a hired professional can fill the role of a patient advocate. Generally, there is no formal licensing for health care advocates. Still, hired advocates may have backgrounds as health care providers, social workers, nurses, or professionals in related fields. Many hospitals have on-staff patient advocates.
Why Patient Advocacy Can Be Useful
Health care advocates can help with tasks that may be challenging for someone facing a severe illness. This might include coordinating care, completing paperwork, and filing insurance claims.
An advocate can guide you throughout the health care process. Before an appointment, a patient advocate may assist with completing paperwork and verifying insurance coverage. Working with the patient, the advocate can help come up with a list of questions for the provider.
When attending appointments, the advocate may listen to the physician, ask questions, and take notes for later review with the patient. After the appointment, the advocate can help the patient understand the doctor’s instructions and manage treatment.
How to Find a Patient Advocate
While a family member or friend can be a patient advocate, sometimes, no one is available to help. If you have no one to advocate for you, you can find help through your hospital or by researching advocates online. As always, choose an advocate you trust.
Be Educated! Be Proactive!
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