A patient advocate serves as a liaison between individuals and their healthcare providers, ensuring that patients’ voices are heard, and their concerns are addressed. With a deep knowledge of the healthcare system, they help individuals navigate complex medical situations and access the care they need. The mission of healthcare advocacy is to uphold or improve the quality of healthcare, particularly for those with complex medical conditions or without close family support. 

Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment with unanswered questions or struggled to understand the information provided? Even when healthcare providers offer explanations, the sheer volume of details can be overwhelming and difficult to remember.

A patient advocate can accompany you to your appointments and help you get the most out of your healthcare experience. They ask important questions on your behalf, take notes or record essential information, and speak up for you, assuring you receive the best possible care. Older adults, in particular, can greatly benefit from having a health advocate with them to navigate the healthcare system. Here are five key ways a patient advocate can be an invaluable ally in making certain you receive the care and clarity you deserve during your healthcare journey.

1. Help You Ask the Right Questions

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during a medical appointment, causing important questions to slip your mind. A patient advocate helps you ask the right questions and fully understand the provided information. Some key questions to consider include:

• What is my exact diagnosis? Where can I find reliable information about it?
• How serious is my condition?
• What is the immediate and long-term prognosis?
• Are there any warning signs I should watch out for?
• What are my treatment options? Which is recommended and why?
• What are the benefits and risks of this treatment plan?
• What are the possible side effects? 

Asking questions, and fully understanding the answers, can give you confidence in your healthcare decisions. The expert patient advocates at Healthcare Advisor Nan can accompany you to your appointments, helping you address and navigate critical decisions about your diagnosis and treatment plan.

2. Ask Your Physician for Clarity

Doctors are often busy and may use complex medical jargon, leaving you with more questions than answers. Brief or unclear explanations can make it difficult to fully understand your condition and treatment options. 

A patient advocate remains calm and assertive in these situations. They can ask your physician to clarify their responses, simplify medical terms, and ensure all of your questions are thoroughly addressed. If needed, they will advocate for more time during the appointment to make sure you leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis and treatment plan. Having this clarity is essential for making informed healthcare decisions. 

3.  Use Their Knowledge to Further Understanding

Patient advocates are trained, experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the healthcare system. They can interpret medical jargon, clarify what your physician is saying, and something what they’re leaving unsaid, and explain it in clear, simple terms. Healthcare Advisor Nan has experienced registered nurses on staff who can help people with complex or multiple conditions derive the most information from an appointment. 

Medical appointments are often brief, making it difficult to absorb complex diagnoses, especially those that come with major lifestyle or financial implications. A patient advocate listens carefully during the appointment, processes the information, and later breaks it down for you, guaranteeing you fully understand your condition and options. If anything remains unclear, they can go over it again, helping you make informed healthcare decisions with confidence.

4. Assist Your Memory with Notetaking

Managing a complex medical condition involves processing a lot of information during appointments, which can be overwhelming. A patient advocate helps by taking detailed notes and, if permitted by your doctor, recording the conversation for future reference. Having two people listening promises you don’t miss critical details, making it easier to understand and retain important medical information. 

5. Helping Implementation by Resources

A patient advocate can ease the process of following on your treatment plan by researching and coordinating specialized care, such as physical or occupational therapy. They assess providers for qualifications, experience, and suitability, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

If hospice care is recommended, a patient advocate can help find the most appropriate facility while ensuring your needs for pain management, privacy, and dignity are met. 

Healthcare Advisor Nan

A patient advocate remains valuable even after the appointment. In addition to helping you remember your doctor’s instructions and explanations, they assist in evaluating the benefits of your treatment plan and preparing questions for future visits. This guarantees you stay informed and proactive about your healthcare. The advocate can listen to your fears and concerns and address them in a way that helps the patient understand he/she is not alone.

Healthcare Advisor Nan is a team of highly experienced healthcare professionals specializing in healthcare advocacy. Our mission is to help people living with challenging conditions receive high-quality care with comfort and compassion. If you’re seeking professional, competent, caring help for yourself or a loved one, give us a call!