If you’ve ever cared for a chronically ill family member or managed all the details of your complex healthcare, you know how challenging it can be. The endless paperwork, rapid-fire questions from doctors at appointments, and constant pressure to make the right decisions for your family — it all adds up and culminates in a big ball of stress that never seems to go away.

Fortunately, you’re not alone. If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed about managing your or a family member’s healthcare, a Family Healthcare Advisor can help you take control of your healthcare journey with medical record review, patient advocacy, education, and so much more. 

What Is a Family Healthcare Advisor?

A Family Healthcare Advisor is an individual who serves as an advocate for patients and their families. They act as an intermediary between patients and healthcare providers to ensure caregivers and their loved ones receive the best care possible. 

A patient advocate can have no medical background but have taken care of a family member. They are usually RNs, Social workers or MDs who have clinical medical knowledge as well as knowledge of resources needed and available to patients. Patient advocates who assist family members and patients are not Advocates in public policy or public health. This is a different kind of advocate.

Additionally, advocates do not create educational materials for the patient, rather find those materials in working with the medical team. 

Some of their responsibilities may include:

• Communicating with doctors and other healthcare providers: Advocates work for the patient – not for the family and that must be respected. They work with the medical team to provide the best safe care possible for the patient.
• Creating patient-facing educational materials: Often, Family Healthcare Advisors also create educational materials, like handouts or websites, to help patients and caregivers understand complex topics like chronic illness diagnoses, treatment options, or how to navigate the complicated world of health insurance in America. 
• Providing medical record review services or materials: They may also help caretakers stay organized by offering digital tools or services that consolidate family members’ medical records into a carefully curated report for more effective and personalized healthcare. No more struggling to remember important details during a rushed doctor visit!

Benefits of Working With a Family Healthcare Advisor

Whether you need medical record review tools for your family or are searching for a patient advocate to serve as a voice for you and your loved ones, there are many benefits to working with a Family Healthcare Advisor:

• You can make informed decisions. Sometimes it can be hard to know what the right choice is. With a healthcare advisor in your corner, you’ll have all the information and tools you need to make the right call for your family and feel confident doing so. 
• You’ll receive better quality care. With the right healthcare advocacy, you’ll get the practical advice and knowledge you need to communicate your or your loved one’s needs and work proactively with your doctors to receive the care you deserve. By collaborating more effectively with your healthcare team and being involved in the decision-making process, you’ll feel more satisfied with the personalized medical services you receive, rather than settling for mediocre care.
• You can take control of your family’s health. Having a healthcare advisor puts you in the driver’s seat. Instead of feeling intimidated or nervous when interacting with a healthcare team, you’ll feel confident in asking questions, understanding your options, and navigating decisions with more ease.

Get Professional Guidance, a Medical Record Review, and More From a Healthcare Advisor Today

If you’re feeling frustrated by the conflicting health messages out there or paralyzed by the gravity of making healthcare decisions for a loved one, you need the Map to Good Health for Healthy Living. This instant download, created by healthcare advocate Nan Wetherhorn, includes: 

• A comprehensive, fillable PDF to organize your patient’s health history
• Informational videos packed with personal insight from Nan’s professional nursing and healthcare advocacy experience
• In-depth guides to help you navigate complex healthcare topics like emergency room visits, health insurance, and patient advocacy

Don’t wait to take control of your family’s healthcare journey. Download your kit today and get started.