In the complex landscape of modern healthcare, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't suffice. At Patient Advocates of Southwest FL, LLC, we recognize that each client has unique needs, challenges, and goals. That’s why we specialize in providing …

As we conclude our series on the surge in Emergency Room visits during July, it’s important to underscore the pivotal role of a trusted companion during any ER visit. At Patient Advocates of Southwest FL (PAoSWFL), we stand out with our unwavering commitment to …

Posted on July 2nd, 2024
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Imagine being in a complex medical situation where you're constantly juggling information from different doctors, treatment options, and insurance claims. It can be overwhelming, right? This is where the role of a patient advocate …

Posted on July 2nd, 2024
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Living with a chronic illness is more than just doctor's visits and medication. It's about having continuous support to navigate the complexities of your health journey. Imagine waking up every day feeling empowered because you …

As the summer heat intensifies and holiday celebrations are in full swing, July becomes one of the busiest months for emergency room visits in the United States. The spike is primarily due to fireworks-related injuries, heat-related illnesses, increased outdoor …

Posted on March 26, 2024

Navigating the complexities of the healthcare system can be a daunting task, especially when faced with medical bills, insurance claims, and the intricacies of coordinating care among various providers. At Patient Advocates of Southwest …

Posted on March 26, 2024

So, you’ve taken the first step toward regaining control of your healthcare journey by partnering with Patient Advocates of Southwest FL, LLC. Congratulations! We’re here to guide you through every twist and turn, ensuring your voice is …

Posted on March 19, 2024

Imagine this: you're sitting in a sterile exam room at the doctor's office, listening to complex medical terms being thrown around like confetti. You nod along, trying to make sense of it all, but inside, you're feeling completely lost. …

Posted on March 12, 2024

When facing complex healthcare challenges, such as cancer, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, genetic disorders, rare diseases, and certain medical conditions including diabetes, chronic …

Posted on March 6, 2024

Unlocking the keys to adept healthcare navigation is like deciphering a complex puzzle, particularly within a system where profit often overshadows the human connection essential for quality care. Consider the intricate challenge of …

Posted on February 28, 2024

I’ve come to appreciate how circumstances expose crossroads that shape our destinies. One pivotal decision altered the course of my journey—not merely as a patient advocate, but as an individual intent on navigating my health and …

Posted on February 21, 2024

Not too many years ago, I faced uncertainty in how to navigate through our healthcare system. Although I had the familiarity of what to do (where to go, and who to talk or consult with) and knowledge of the workings within the …

Posted on February 13, 2024

In the hushed hallways of healthcare struggles, a poignant narrative unfolds—beginning innocently with a routine medical test. Enter Sarah, a vibrant professional eagerly anticipating the results of what should have been a …

Posted on February 7, 2023

Imagine finding yourself in the middle of a large bustling city, surrounded by towering buildings, bustling streets, and a myriad of signs pointing in every direction. Now, imagine that this city represents the complex, often perplexing …

Posted on January 31, 2024

I would like to introduce you to Beth, a resilient woman who has always been in control every aspect of her life. Recently, Beth received a life-changing diagnosis, thrusting her into the twists and turns of our healthcare system. …

Posted on January 23, 2024

In the heart of every patient's journey through the labyrinth that is the U.S. healthcare system lies a narrative of frustration, confusion, and all too often, trauma. Dr. Robert H. Schmerling, in his poignant article on July 13, 2021, …

Posted on January 16, 2024

Medical complexity considers various metrics such as patient age, comorbidities, medications, hospitalization frequency, and outcomes like ICU admissions, survival rates, and readmissions. The average hospitalized patient today is about …

Posted on January 9, 2024

In the complexity and navigation of healthcare, everyone faces a unique journey, a narrative woven with challenges, decisions, and, ultimately, the pursuit of well-being. Consider Mary, who has just received a life-changing diagnosis, or …

Posted on October 10, 2023

Three years after the emergence of COVID-19, one needs only to step into an urgent care center, a hospital, a rehabilitation center, or a nursing home, especially on the primary source of direct care: the nursing workforce. The pandemic …

Posted on October 2, 2023

I must confess – I love shopping. My enthusiasm for a great bargain, with discounts ranging from 40% to 70%, is evident, especially in my well-stocked wardrobe. However, when it comes to health care, I assume the characteristics of a …

Posted on September 20, 2023

The often-raised question revolves around whether insurance provides or should provide reimbursement for the vital services offered by these advocates. The unequivocal answer is a resounding “No,” here’s why. . .

In the dynamic …

Posted on September 12, 2023

Senior care presents a host of challenges in a world where the population is aging at an unprecedented rate. As our elderly loved ones confront complex healthcare needs and navigate the intricacies of an evolving healthcare landscape, …

Posted on August 30, 2023

Through this journey that is my life, I find myself woven into a tapestry of challenges, triumphs, and transformative moments. Each step along this path has shaped me into the patient advocate I am today, driven by the unwavering …

Posted on August 22, 2023

In the healthcare journey, the power of unity and support cannot be overstated, particularly when the patient (and family) receives a life-altering diagnosis. Often the hardest thing is coming up with a plan.

Family and friends of the …

Posted on August 15, 2023

When Something Is Wrong

Make Yourself Heard

Ten years ago, it was impossible to ignore physical discomfort. Needing to catch up on a time-sensitive work project, I opted to work through lunch one day during lunch. I had a turkey sandwich …

Posted on August 8, 2023

In life’s most challenging moments, the power of gratitude can be truly transformative. As a patient advocate, my purpose has been largely shaped by a profound wellspring of gratitude that emerged from our son’s 24-year battle with drug …

Posted on July 30, 2023

The doctor-patient relationship - the cornerstone of quality healthcare built on trust, empathy, and personalized attention - is in jeopardy.

The landscape of primary care in the US is undergoing a subtle but significant transformation. An …

Posted on July 13, 2023

As I do every day, I sat down with my morning coffee to go through inbox emails. Always paying attention to and being on the lookout for topics related to health care. Given that I live in Florida, this Florida Trend Headline caught my …

Posted on July 7 , 2023

Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, particularly when you or your loved one are in the hospital, rehabilitation (rehab) center, or nursing home. These settings present unique challenges, from complex medical conditions to …

Posted on June 16, 2023

While every family is unique, all families share a bond that can be used to support one another during trying times. In the face of illness or challenging health circumstances, family members can play a role in advocating for the health and …

Posted on June 8, 2023

As a healthcare enthusiast and advocate, I’ve always been intrigued by the power of innovation and its potential to transform patient care. In today’s rapidly evolving world, new and creative approaches and solutions are paving the way for …

Posted on June 3, 2023

As a patient advocate, I am often asked about my role in the healthcare system. Simply put, I am part of the emerging practice of advocacy and navigation in today’s beyond-challenging healthcare system.

I am acutely aware of the …

Posted on May 23, 2023

I was awakened from a light nap to the sound of shouts and moans coming from another patient’s room, despite the best staff efforts, which continued throughout the evening. I asked about this gentleman when the nurse came into my room. I …

Posted on May 16, 2023

Those of us who have been at the bedside, attempting to support dying patients and their families through the end-of-life experience, understand that these final days can and should be comfortable with gentle and supportive care and the …

Posted on May 10, 2023

“It turns out feeling younger than your age may not be entirely in your head. Developing research claims that your biological age may indeed be younger (or older) than the age on your driver’s license. And there may be simple solutions to …

Posted on Mai 3, 2023

As a patient advocate, I know how vulnerable patients can be when seeking healthcare. Faced with the experience of physical or emotional pain, dealing with a serious illness, or the reality of difficult decisions about their health. Patients …

Posted on April 25, 2023

The cost of medication in the US tends to run higher when compared to other countries - due to various factors, including the lack of price controls on prescription drugs, the high cost of research and development, and the complex supply …

Posted on April 18, 2023

I admit to being surprised by the sometimes response of clients and family members when they are presented with next steps that involve stress to the body. Recently, a friend I care deeply about was informed by her doctor that she needed …

Posted on April 11, 2023

With at least 10,000 diseases in the world, though likely more and only about 200-300 symptoms, it stands to reason . . . that even highly experienced and competent doctors make diagnostic errors, about 1 in 20 times. Should you share your …

Posted on March 21, 2023

Perhaps there is nothing more demeaning than lying in a hospital bed. More times than not the patient have very little control of what happens next. By the very nature of lying in the bed the patient is less than equal to those treating …

Posted on March 14, 2023

When it comes to health care safety in hospitals, urgent care centers, clinics and other related settings, there should be little to be concerned about. After all, patients are surrounded by and cared for nurses, doctors, technicians and …

Posted on March 7, 2023

There is nothing like death, especially an unexpected death of a neighbor to give pause, and appreciation of the need for each of us to have an Advanced Care Plan in place. While I do, my husband does not, and, thank you very much, …

Posted on February 23, 2023

Recent questions from those inquiring about patient advocacy services have served to remind me that too many healthcare experiences are like visiting a foreign country where you don’t understand the language. In fact, one prospective …

Posted on February 14, 2023

A recent visit with my primary care provider (PCP) reminded me that it’s normal for these folks to be pressed to see as many patients as possible in a day. With 15 – 20 minutes allotted for a regular office visit, sometimes even the …

Posted on February 7, 2023

If you are of a Certain Age - How are you feeling? Is age really just a state of mind? When it comes to aging, studies suggest people with more positive attitudes about living longer, enjoying healthier lives than those with negative …

Posted on January 31, 2023

My heart hurts following three recent inquires for guidance, support or assistance. On this particular day, what was most unusual, the reason for each caller’s outreach. All as a result of actual experience with, or concern of …

Posted on January 24, 2023

Our health and wellbeing are important. For that reason, we seek care. We want to know our physical needs are being take seriously and to be treated in a timely manner that feels like we’re heard, and questions answered in a manner that …

Posted on January 17, 2023

Deprescribing came to my attention last week – an unfamiliar term appeared in two different email address boxes, two different days, two different topics on the subject and two different sources. So glad I decided to investigate. . . I …

Posted on January 10, 2023

Being of a certain age and being of better – actually optimum, health is imp0rtant to me. With that in mind, these are my five aging resolutions for 2023:

Being of a certain age and being of better – actually optimum, health is important …

Posted on January 3, 2023

Health care costs in this country, continue to rise every year. It’s been going on for decades. A primary culprit is unnecessary medical treatment. Experts estimate it’s to the tune of hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars a year.

Health care …

Posted on December 27, 2022

Dear Doctor, As a patient - I admit to being . . . independent of thought, prone to inquire, even challenge at times, by asking questions particularly when, as I sit across from you or on the exam table, I am interrupted while …

Posted on December, 2022

According to the CDC, flu activity is elevated across the country, and flu hospitalization rates are the highest we have seen at this time in a decade. Care partners often ask for advice about how to prepare, in term of what to have on …

Posted on December 13, 2023

To get the most of any visit to the Emergency Room for an injury or urgent medical problem, it is essential to be prepared to communicate the correct information. Advanced planning, whether you are planning ahead for yourself, and …

Posted on December 6, 2022

Celebrating long-standing traditions as family gathers at Mom and Dad’s house during the holidays, is also the ideal opportunity to notice things that some things seem “off.” Getting old isn’t easy. Family gathering is time to observe …

Posted on November 29, 2022

I’ve had the occasion lately to be reminded of the stigma around mental health . When someone with a mental illness is called. . .weak, . . .dangerous, . . . incompetent. Often treated differently, even marginalized as a result being …

Posted on November 22, 2024

As a follow up from last week’s blog: “What is a Care Partner?”, and inquiries from readers interested in a list of items and tools to have in hand in for a hospital admission or visit to the Emergency Room. As you recall, a care …

Posted on November 15, 2024

A care partner is someone a patient chooses to help him or her receive the expected level of care during and after a hospital stay. Someone trusted - spouse, other family member, long-time friend or neighbor who is able to help support …

Posted on November 9, 2022

Hospitals work hard to make care safe, but it’s no secret that our medical providers are stretched and stressed. Inevitably cracks in care occur which accidentally harm about 12 million patients and cause more than 400,000 needless …

Posted on November 1, 2022

Wait a minute what – the right diagnosis!?! Isn’t that assumed? The reality of health care is missed diagnosis, or diagnostic error “. . . inaccurate or delayed diagnosis-persist throughout all settings of care and continue to harm an …

Posted on October 25, 2022

A Limited Amount of Time to Make the Right Impression: Preparation and Know-How to Improve the Emergency Room Care Experience 10 Tips to Prevent a Misdiagnosis During Your Next Visit to the Emergency Room.

When you need to go to the …

Posted on October 18, 2022

Addiction is absolutely a family disease. Each time I am asked about the path that led me to become a board-certified patient advocate (BCPA), and why I have chosen Substance Use Disorder (SUD) as one of my practice specialties, I share …

Posted on September 27, 2022

The pandemic has decreased the effectiveness of performance of the US health system in the areas of costs, quality, access and health outcomes. Burnout among physicians and front-line nurses, respiratory therapists and others has taken …

Posted on September 20, 2022

Healthcare is a business. The business that hires doctors, hospitalists, nurses, technicians, administrators, billing clerks, housekeeper’s, food service staff and others. It is the physicians and midlevel practitioner’s (nurse …

Posted on September 13, 2022

If you are over a certain age, or caring for someone who is, or someone with multiple medical conditions and diagnoses, there is a good possibility all aspects of your health care are not adequately coordinated. The average patient …

Posted on September 13, 2022

Recently a prospective client shared the following with me, “On Monday I was to have surgery for a significant injury. Today, 4 days before surgery, (hospital system) informs me that I have to pay thousands of dollars in coinsurance. …

Posted on September 6, 2022

Each of us is in control for the majority (greater than 90%) of personal healthcare decisions needing to be made. What about the remaining percentage?

Each of us is in control for the majority (greater than 90%) of personal healthcare …

Posted on August 30, 2022

Each year, approximately 36 million people are admitted to the hospital. The average time they spend there is 3-1/2 days. During that time, patients are vulnerable to common cracks in hospital care also known as hospital hazards or …

Posted on August 9, 2022

Healthcare should be simple. We expect to be treated as a priority and to receive optimal care, resulting in favorable outcomes. Unfortunately, our complex and increasingly overwhelmed, even potentially frightening healthcare system …

Posted on August 2, 2022

Emotions get in the way when changes in your health status (accident, incident, or multiple diagnosis), require decision making. No matter what the situation, it is inevitable the individual is going to be overwhelmed and exhausted. It …

Posted on July 26, 2022

“What happens now?” Having just returned from doctor’s office, after learning about a less-than-favorable, life-threatening diagnosis for yourself, your partner or other loved one. You find yourself beginning to realize your life is forever …

Posted on July 9, 2022

Oh, to have a dollar for every time a client speaking of their healthcare system experience has said, “I had no idea” . . . “totally clueless” . . . “where to begin” . . . “what do I (we) do next” . . .” first it’s this way, then it’s going …

Posted on July 12, 2022

Health care should be simple. We expect to be treated as a priority and to receive optimal care, resulting in favorable outcomes. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. With increasing frequency, our complex healthcare system creates …

Posted on July 5, 2022

When it comes to your health and well-being, no one knows your needs better than you do. Most of the time, it is a relatively simple process - an annual physical exam including blood work, followed by follow up visits to your primary care …

Posted on June 28, 2022

Curious about the #1-character trait of a person who is extremely effective in the management of his/her healthcare? It all comes down to self-reliance – the ability to trust and rely on one’s own instinct and resources rather than depend …

Posted on June 28, 2022

Have to share about Kris Chana and his wife, Chelsea who have created a most impressive alternative for senior day care services.

Have to share about Kris Chana and his wife, Chelsea have envisioned as a most impressive alternative for …

Posted on June 21, 2022

Physicians want their patients to do well and to get better. Yet they have less time `to spend with patients. Anything that will help foster effective use of the time a physician has with a patient, provides a distinct advantage to the …

Posted on June 7, 2022

While speaking with prospective clients during a consultation appointment, last week, something unusual happened. Two families, from different regions of the country, each expressed concern (rightfully so) about their loved one’s having …

Posted on May 31, 2022

I enjoy - no to be honest . . . I love, shopping – as evidenced by my wardrobe. What I enjoy/love even more is a great bargain – 40 – 70% off is . . . the best. Truth be told, my grab-a-bargain pleasure extends in other areas as well – …

Posted on May 31, 2022

As a professional patient advocate, I am often asked – “What exactly do you do?” My short answer is always, “Patient Advocates of Southwest FL empowers clients to confidently make informed healthcare decisions.” The longer version goes …

Posted on April 18, 2022

Are the services of an Independent Professional Patient Advocate covered by insurance companies? The short answer is – No. Nor do we want insurance reimbursement. If we did, then we would be working for the insurance company, not for you - …