When your car breaks down, you call a mechanic.<\/p>\n
When you need legal advice, you call a lawyer.<\/p>\n
But when you\u2019re faced with a health situation and you have to make important decisions quickly, where do you turn?<\/p>\n
You can contact a patient advocate.<\/p>\n
The Role of a Patient Advocate<\/strong><\/p>\n Patient advocates help individuals make important healthcare decisions for themselves or for a loved one. Advocates explain test results, treatment options and complicated diagnoses. When family is out of town, they provide comfort, reassurance and peace of mind.<\/p>\n I know this because I am one.<\/strong><\/p>\n I started Guided Patient Services in 2014 in response to a need that was not being met. As a physician, I saw families in the hospital who were overwhelmed, confused and uncertain of the next steps.<\/p>\n Through Guided Patient Services, I provide clients and their families with medical interpretation, guidance, and support. With a patient advocate by your side, you never have to feel alone.<\/p>\n Private Professional Advocate Week is March 20-26<\/strong><\/p>\n The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates has designated next week as Private Professional Advocate Week, a time to create awareness of the work we do, and how we can be a support when times get tough.<\/p>\n I sincerely hope you never need me. But if you do, I want you to understand the services that patient advocates provide. We are:<\/p>\n \u2022 Your translator. We understand medical language, and can explain it in a way you can understand, as many times as you need us to.<\/p>\n \u2022 Your coordinator. We schedule your appointments, make sure you are prepared, and accompany you there.<\/p>\n \u2022 Your liaison. We provide coordination of care when multiple health care providers are involved, or in the case of a surgery or hospitalization.<\/p>\n \u2022 Your representative. We attend medical team conferences to enhance your understanding and to update family members.<\/p>\n My Clients<\/strong><\/p>\n I have had the honor of advocating for young people struggling with a complicated diagnosis. For seniors who need coordination of care. For out-of-town families, who as much as they want to, can\u2019t make it to their loved one\u2019s doctor\u2019s appointments, hospitalizations or procedures.<\/p>\n Last fall, Ruth contacted me after her husband of 42 years suffered a massive stroke and was discharged to a rehab facility. Her family was out of town, and her friends had left the area for the winter. She was feeling exhausted and alone.<\/p>\n I helped Ruth understand her husband\u2019s treatment options. I coordinated his appointments, and attended medical team meetings on her behalf. I was able to give Ruth clarity and confidence, so she could make informed healthcare decisions for her husband.<\/p>\n I can replace worry, confusion and crisis with personalized support, guidance and peace of mind. Please don’t hesitate to call and speak with me regarding your health care concerns at 614-981-5951<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When your car breaks down, you call a mechanic. When you need legal advice, you call a lawyer. But when you\u2019re faced with a health situation and you have to make important decisions quickly, where do you turn? You can contact a patient advocate. The Role of a Patient Advocate Patient advocates help individuals make […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2906,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"libsyn-item-id":0,"libsyn-show-id":0,"libsyn-post-error":"","libsyn-post-error_post-type":"","libsyn-post-error_post-permissions":"","libsyn-post-error_api":"","playlist-podcast-url":"","libsyn-episode-thumbnail":"","libsyn-episode-widescreen_image":"","libsyn-episode-blog_image":"","libsyn-episode-background_image":"","libsyn-post-episode-category-selection":"","libsyn-post-episode-player_use_thumbnail":"use_thumbnail","libsyn-post-episode-player_use_theme":"custom","libsyn-post-episode-player_height":"90","libsyn-post-episode-player_width":"450","libsyn-post-episode-player_placement":"top","libsyn-post-episode-player_use_download_link":"use_download_link","libsyn-post-episode-player_use_download_link_text":"DOWNLOAD THIS 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