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

The Patient Advocate You Need

Special Edition: March 23, 2020
 

Hi Subscriber First Name,

It’s likely at this busy time your inbox and social media news feeds are filled with messages and information about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) health crisis we are navigating.

While COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is at the forefront of our thoughts, it is important to also stay informed about a variety of aspects healthcare.

I’m using my weekly newsletter (previously 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.

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
 

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

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

View last week’s newsletter
 

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.
 

Glossary Resources

In recent weeks, we’ve had to learn a set of new phrases and meanings of key terms of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. For many, the language of healthcare has always been a challenge, and now many new terms have joined the lexicon.

When we all use the same language, we know how to communicate with each other, and know what to do and how and when do it. Without a common understanding and set of expectations our health outcomes and adherence can vary greatly.

To be an effective self-advocate while navigating the American healthcare system, one must know how to speak the “language,” and know when to ask for explanation and clarification. It’s a difficult skill to hone as a patient or the loved one/friend of a patient, especially at a time of great stress.

There are many key terms and phrases to learn to have an accurate sense of the crisis we’re facing. There are several articles posted online that explain key terms. I recommend glossaries from the Kaiser Family Foundation, New York Times, Time Magazine, and the Boston Globe.
 

Helpful Planning Resources

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning.

When asked for thorough end of life care planning resources (health agent/proxy, living will, detailed wishes) by clients and during community education talks, I often suggest Honoring Choices Massachusetts (docs are for everyone not just MA), The Conversation Project, and Five Wishes.

Honoring Choices and The Conversation Project resources are available from their websites by download at no cost.

Most of the time, Five Wishes has a fee of $5 to access a downloadable document, but now, due to the COVID-19 crisis, people being home, spending dedicated time with their family members in person or via technology, and leading up to National Healthcare Decisions Day, annually April 16 ("there's nothing certain but death and taxes") they are offering the resource FREE and I highly recommend accessing the resource and recommending to others (clients, friends, family members) to do the same!

Download your free resources here!

I know this topic can be difficult to think and talk about. I’m available to help!

It is extremely important that adults 18 years of age and older have these documents in place! While you may have filled out legal documents regarding your estate plans, it is likely you haven't written out and reviewed with others the specifics of what you want and don't want regarding end of life care.

In my work, I always remind people that having these documents in place and discussed with those you care about and care about you, is actually a gift. It's a gift because it means your intentions are spelled out. reviewed with loved ones, and no one has to wonder if, at a time of emotional stress, they are making a decision that aligns with your values and wishes.

Here’s a NBC News article about the COVID-19 crisis and end of life care planning.
 

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 “physical 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 me 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.