Who Do I Need to Know in the Healthcare System?

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 changed. Welcome to active engagement, otherwise referred to as navigation within Healthcare System. It will be a journey unlike anything else you’ve most likely experienced.

“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 changed.

Welcome to active engagement, otherwise referred to as navigation within Healthcare System. It will be a journey unlike anything else you’ve most likely experienced.

Both the healthcare system and the body of medical knowledge is always in a state of change. Diagnostic and treatment recommendations are continuously evaluated as are care, medication and other treatment protocols.

Often described as complex, even fragmented, there are many things you will gain familiarity with. The types of hospital systems (acute, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, etc.), patient care, insurance, healthcare providers, legal and other related challenges.

Where to turn?

The reality of a life-threatening illness is in appreciating there is no easy path through the process. Decisions are going to have to be made. Case managers, paid by the hospital, and reporting being overworked with increasing frequency. Navigation of some type is going to be necessary. It requires collaboration and communication between the patient, family, physicians, nurses, and insurance companies and others.

Essentially there are 2 choices.

1. Self-Advocating. It isn’t easy. . .but worthwhile.

2. Professional Patient Advocate. . .easing the burden patient experience while navigating the healthcare system.

The (self) Advocate needs to be organized, proactive and an unrelentless commitment to the patient (self or loved-one) to receive the best possible care - while feeling loved and supported at every turn. Often, the caregiver takes on the (advocate) role. . .to gather information and ask questions, help coordinate care, manage medications, organize transportation. . .while providing support.

This is not for the faint at heart. There is uncertainty hovering around every corner. The barrage of information from nurses, physicians, therapists is overwhelming. There is also the unknown of what questions to ask or which direction to take.

The (self) Advocate should be someone who does not hide from difficult conversations. S/he should possess the ability to work collaboratively with the healthcare team, especially during those situations when the patient is unable to process information.

Additionally, it is most likely this undertaking will be a collaborative effort, requiring a support team consisting of family and friends, who will commit to being available to support the patient.

It all becomes worthwhile when the patient responds to the plan of care, regains strength, and eventually resuming self-care and independence leading to an improved quality of life.

In comparison, the Professional Patient Advocate - Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) has the knowledge and experience of all aspects of the healthcare system. We help patients get from place to place in our complex healthcare system. Our skill is in navigating the logistical considerations involved in undergoing complex care management plans that can often be difficult to understand.

When patients have trouble moving through the healthcare system, they can sometimes give up or be led astray, ultimately hindering their ability to receive treatment. With the patient at the center of care, the BCPA serves in an information and facilitation role, empowering the patient to feel confident in voicing their care goals and choices.

Questions, comments or to learn more or to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consult, visit www.patientadvocatesofswfl.com.