Receiving a complex medical diagnosis is a life-changing event. Patients and their loved ones often have significant questions about everything from how a condition will impact their daily lives to whom they should contact to arrange services such as home care or medical equipment rentals.
Patient advocates who are registered nurses can be invaluable partners in navigating complex medical situations. RN patient advocates use their experience as healthcare providers to inform and advise patients throughout the care process. They can ensure that patients get the care they need as they deal with the challenges of medical appointments, changing health, and treatment decisions.
Why Choose a Registered Nurse as Your Patient Advocate
Working with an RN (registered nurse) patient advocate is like having your own personal nurse who comes to medical appointments with you. They are there to explain what your doctor is saying and help you make treatment choices, as well as give you support during tests and medical procedures.
Registered nurses are uniquely qualified to work with patients facing complex diagnoses and advocate on their behalf. RNs have broad medical expertise, as well as experience educating patients about their health and providing compassionate patient care. That combination of skills enables RNs to understand a patient’s needs and wants so they can facilitate treatment plans that address the best interests of the patient.
RN patient advocates can also function as care coordinators, communicating with healthcare providers on a professional-to-professional basis. They can share updates on how a patient is doing and advocate for timely, responsive care if the patient’s needs change.
RN patient advocates also offer expert information to patients. An RN patient advocate is an accessible resource who can provide clarity about questions like “What are the side effects of this medication?” or “Can I take a shower after a surgical procedure?” Patients can reach out to their advocate directly without having to wait for a call from a doctor or nurse at a busy medical practice.
Patient Advocacy Services
At Healthcare Advisor Nan, our team of RN patient advocates supports medically complex care through a range of services. We give you individualized attention to help you fully understand your medical situation and how we can best support you as you receive care.
Medical History Review
Your RN patient advocate will review your complete medical records to gain a comprehensive understanding of your past and present needs. Our process of medical record review is fully HIPAA compliant, and our RN patient advocates adhere to all medical privacy and ethics rules.
Attending Medical Appointments
Medical appointments can feel overwhelming, especially if you are receiving a lot of information about your diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis for recovery all at once. Time with healthcare providers is often limited, so patients and their families may leave with unanswered questions.
Your RN patient advocate can accompany you to medical appointments. During appointments, they can take notes and ask follow-up questions on your behalf. They can explain tests, procedures, and diagnoses to you during and after the appointment. They can tell you what to expect and how certain tests or procedures fit into your care plan.
Facilitating Home Health Services
Complex medical care often requires home health services and at-home access to medical equipment, such as oxygen support or mobility aids. Whether you need skilled nursing at home, assistance with daily living, or rehabilitation after surgery, your RN patient advocate can help you arrange the services you need.
Our team of RN patient advocates can talk to your doctor to determine what services are necessary. They can also review your insurance details and recommend qualified home care specialists who accept your plan.
Your RN patient advocate can work with home healthcare providers to ensure that nurses, aides, and therapists understand your specific requirements and preferences so you get the right care in a way that is respectful to you and your home.
Support During Hospitalizations
Hospitalization is often stressful and confusing for patients and their families. An RN patient advocate can provide critical support during hospitalization. The team of RN patient advocates at Healthcare Advisor Nan can review your hospital charts, coordinate your care with the hospital staff and other members of your care team, and brief hospital staff on your medical history.
Your advocate can also be there to answer questions about your care so you can make informed medical decisions. Your RN patient advocate can continue to support you during the discharge process, collect necessary information for post-hospital care, and make arrangements for support or equipment you may need at home during recovery.
Hospice Support
The transition to hospice care is a significant and often heartbreaking decision. The RN patient advocates at Healthcare Advisor Nan have experience offering compassionate support to families during this stage of medical care. Our RN patient advocates can assist families with finding the best hospice care program and coordinating care with hospice providers as patient needs change.
RN patient advocates work closely with medical care providers on pain management measures. Most importantly, your RN patient advocate has a personal understanding of your wishes for end-of-life care and will ensure they are honored.
Personalized Patient Advocacy Services
Navigating medically complex care is not a straightforward process, and your needs will change over time. RN patient advocates tailor their services to your specific requirements and preferences so you get the support you need at the time you need it.
Healthcare Advisor Nan offers a variety of personalized services, including comprehensive intake meetings, check-in calls, and care coordination. In addition, you can purchase our downloadable Living Healthy With Nan resource kit. The kit provides in-depth healthcare questionnaires, videos, and guides on topics such as choosing the right doctor, selecting nursing care for elderly family members, navigating emergency room visits, understanding health insurance coverage, and more.
All of our patient advocates are certified RNs with extensive experience in both direct care and patient advocacy.
Contact us today to learn more about how the RN patient advocates at Healthcare Advisor Nan can help you manage complex medical care. You can fill out our online form or call us at (786) 507-5637.
