www.beaconpatientsolutions.com :: (617) 651-2140

The Patient Advocate You Need

Special Edition: March 16, 2020

As an independent board certified patient advocate I work to ensure that clients have reliable information that assists them in making informed healthcare decisions that reflect their needs, goals, and values. I have the same intent when offering community education talks and resources.

My approach is the same regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) health crisis we are all navigating. Over the next few weeks, I will be utilizing this newsletter (usually distributed monthly) to share resources to help you, your family and community members, colleagues, and friends navigate the healthcare system during this period of uncertainty.

This week’s newsletter includes:

Future newsletters will include:

  • How to continue to navigate the healthcare system during this time when it is especially stressed

  • Resources to make sure your healthcare advocacy plan is in place

  • Information about National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16)

  • Book and website recommendations for enhancing your knowledge about navigating today’s healthcare system

As always, you can help others learn more about the importance and impact of working with an independent board certified patient advocate and the solutions I work toward simply by passing my name and this newsletter along to friends, family members, and colleagues.

Navigating the complexities of the healthcare system can be stressful and time consuming. Contact me so that I can help ease the burden.

Thank you for your support,
Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA
Independent Board Certified Patient Advocate
Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC
 

Reliable Resources to Stay Informed:

CDC:

The John A Hartford Foundation Resource page: information for older adults, family caregivers, and health care providers. It includes a thorough compilation of organizations and links to reliable and helpful Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources.
 

Blog Post: Ways to Stay Connected
During A Period of “Social Distancing:”

The CDC defines social distancing as "remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.”

Social distancing is critical to limiting the spread of the virus, but it also leaves us disconnected from our community. When we can’t physically spend time with others, we can feel isolated and lonely and that is not good for our health and healthcare outcomes.

It’s important at this time to make an extra effort to stay connected to our friends, family and community members. Make sure to keep in mind those who may live alone or in communities that are restricting visitors.

Thinking creatively about how to use technology and communication tools in our homes will help us remain “in community.” If someone you know doesn’t have direct access to the “latest” technology, use the tools they do have to stay connected. The point is making a connection, regardless of the tool used to do it.

Visit my blog to access ideas I’ve compiled for staying connected by video chat, social networks, the phone, email, text, smart speakers, etc. I’ve also included suggestions for spending time outdoors and surfing the internet.
 

I’m Available to Help…

Schedule a Consultation: Sometimes, the opportunity to ask questions or talk through a healthcare situation is the only immediate service a prospective client may initially need. To assist, I offer the opportunity to schedule a one hour phone consultation to meet that need. Email me to find out more.

Patient Advocacy Needs Continue: During this challenging time, patient advocacy needs continue. I’m available to help with reviewing medical bills for accuracy, insurance claim denials, appointment preparation, and more. Visit my client services page to view the full range of services offered.
 

Are You or Do You Know a Solo Ager?

During this time focused on “social distancing” it is important for people to connect to support services designed just for them.

I created the SOLO AGERS Advocacy Initiative to meet the support and planning needs of Solo Agers.

Initiative members work one-on-one with Ailene to identify and organize healthcare concerns, carefully craft their support team, and learn how to navigate the opportunities and challenges of solo aging. Now is the perfect time to get started!
 

Visit our client services webpage to view the wide range of services we provide and contact us: (617) 651-2140
to get the help you or a loved one deserve.
 

About Beacon Patient Solutions LLC:
Beacon Patient Solutions LLC helps clients navigate the choppy waters of today’s complex healthcare system by empowering them to become educated and confident health care consumers. We are client focused, uniquely knowledgeable, and engage clients to ask the right questions, seek good answers, and secure reliable resources.  We provide patient advocacy services in the Greater Boston Area, throughout Massachusetts, and nationwide. Visit our website to learn more:  www.beaconpatientsolutions.com.