There’s a few more dog days of summer left but pro football’s opening snap is just around the corner. Preseason games have already begun. Fantasy football fans are comparing their draft picks. And, in Cleveland, my home town, we keep asking, where’s my quarterback? A Private Patient Advocate is your Quarterback when it comes to accessing and receiving quality health care, you should be asking yourself the same question. Kick off your search by asking the following:
Who is a patient advocate?
Simply put, a patient advocate acts in your best interests. They are the supporter, negotiator and champion of your values, beliefs and wishes. Families and trusted friends can fit that bill. I tell patients all the time they can often be their best advocate. Doctors and nurses act in our best interests and have traditionally been thought of as our advocates. This conversation recently prompted a friend of mine to tell me, “My family’s got my back. Isn’t my family doctor my quarterback? I’m set, right?”
Not always. If you’ve spent any time as a patient lately you’ve probably noticed how much has changed. The system itself is more complex and confusing. Understanding your medical bills, insurance coverage and those pesky denials is even harder than winning a taffy pull. Doctors and nurses are pressed for time. Appointments seem to be getting shorter and shorter. Face time between you and your doctor is more precious than ever before. You’ve got to be prepared in advance, ask the right questions, get the right information and feel confident, secure and safe knowing you’re getting the best care possible. Your doctor, nurse and family still have your back but they can’t do it all anymore. The professional patient advocate is your quarterback.
What does a private patient advocate do and what’s the difference between the advocate working within a hospital or healthcare system?
Different advocates do different things. Some assist with medical billing, others with insurance coverage and denials. Many private patient advocates walk your healthcare journey with you-through wellness, an emergency, acute illness, lifelong diseases and even the end of life. They can help you prepare for an appointment, making sure you ask the physician and nurse practitioner the right questions when you get there. Many advocates will even accompany you to your appointments. Advocates can help families shoulder the burden of caring for patients, grandparents, children and spouses. As a physician, patient and a daughter, who shepherded both parents through long and difficult illnesses, I speak the language of all three. Whether I’m looking at the system through the lens of the patient, family or as a physician, I can understand the best way to access and receive quality care.
The biggest difference between a private patient advocate and one working within a healthcare system or hospital (often called patient navigators) is who’s their boss? Patient navigators work for the healthcare system and hospital that hires them. They offer patients and families a wide variety of support and assistance. But they are also loyal employees fulfilling the mission of their employer.
Private patient advocates work for you-the patient and family who hires them-not the hospitals, healthcare systems or insurance companies. An advocate’s loyalty lies with you, not the system or healthcare network you may be asking them to navigate and assist you with.
Where can I find a private patient Advocate?
Private patient advocacy is one of the fastest growing industries. Unfortunately, there is still no required certification, training or licensing in place. In other words, anybody can hang out a shingle. Check out the advocate’s experience and expertise to decide if that advocate is the right fit for you and the particular issues you are facing. Two great sources for quality recommendations are The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates and The National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants.
A few years ago BJ Kissel wrote an article for the Bleacher Report.
In it he said:
“Each quarterback isn’t just responsible for knowing how to do his job. He has to know the responsibilities of every player out on the field with him…[and]…hold their teammates accountable.”
That is the role of private patient advocates-to hold the healthcare system and the healthcare team caring for you accountable. They are your quarterback. Now that you found us. Let us help you get that ball in the end zone.
