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

The Patient Advocate You Need

Special Edition: April 13, 2020
 

Hi Subscriber First Name,

I hope you are finding ways to stay accurately informed and enjoy fresh air while safely remaining physically distant from others. 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:

View past newsletters: 3/30/20, 3/23/20, 3/16/20
 

Reliable Resources to Stay Informed:

CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Resources for Home: Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease

The John A Hartford Foundation Resource page: information for older adults, family caregivers, and health care providers.

 

Blog Post: Navigating Your Healthcare Needs
During the Pandemic

Does this snapshot of an appointment calendar resonate with you?

  • Annual Physical: Rescheduled

  • 6 Month Dental Cleaning: Rescheduled

  • 3 Month Follow Up with PCP: Rescheduled

  • This Month’s Physical Therapy appointments: Canceled, Online Resources Suggested

  • Weekly Behavioral Health Therapy Appointment: Changed to Video or Phone Call, Teletherapy

Navigating our own healthcare needs at this time when the system is extremely stressed can be challenging. Many routine appointments are canceled, postponed, or rescheduled. However, there are healthcare needs related to the monitoring of chronic conditions or illnesses, or specific diagnoses that would not be beneficial to postpone or reschedule.

While it is critical to leave space for the treatment of COVID-19 throughout the healthcare system, it is also important NOT to delay or ignore other medical needs or conditions. My blog post shares how to be your own best advocate, how to prepare for upcoming appointments, and what to prepare should an emergency occur! READ MORE
 

Worth A Read: Navigating Various Aspects
of the Impact of the Pandemic
 

Advance Care Planning Resources

National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16, (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. READ MORE…
 

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? The SOLO AGERS Advocacy Initiative was created 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!
 

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.