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

The Patient Advocate You Need

Special Edition: May 18, 2020
 

Hi Subscriber First Name,

I hope you are continuing to find ways to stay informed, connected to others, and active while safely remaining physically distant.

My newsletter (previously distributed monthly) offers resources to help you, your family and community members, colleagues, and friends navigate the healthcare system during this period of uncertainty.

This week I am focusing on informed decision making.

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:
4/27/20, 4/20/20, 4/13/20, 3/30/20, 3/23/20, 3/16/20
 

Healthcare Trends: People are seeking less medical care

In mid-April the American College of Emergency Physicians released a poll confirming concerns about a recent healthcare trend that people are avoiding getting the medical care they need.

What is causing this concerning trend? Worries about safety and access:

  • Fear that going to the ER means they will contract COVID-19

  • Worry about taking resources away from those who desperately need them during the pandemic

  • Assumptions that their provider is NOT available to them due to the strain on the system

While it is important to follow stay at home guidelines (when possible) and follow CDC guidelines, it is critical to always know when to go to the emergency department. A delay in medical care can greatly impact the health outcome.

The short and long term healthcare decisions we are wrestling with are the subject of this week’s blog post. READ MORE below and read the post here.

Read more about this concerning trend here: Axios, CNBC, Forbes, Kaiser Health News, PBS Newshour, New York Times, NPR, USA Today.
 

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…

Making decisions about one’s healthcare was complex prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with the healthcare system facing a variety of challenges, knowing what reliable resources there are to assist in making informed decisions can feel confusing during uncertain times. It is understandable to have questions about your healthcare concerns in the short term and long term.

In this week’s blog post, I explore questions about navigating healthcare that I have received from clients, colleagues, and community members. In the post I identify some reliable resources to aid in informed decision making. READ MORE
 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Resources for Preparation in Case of Serious Illness

Navigating our own healthcare needs at this time when the system is extremely stressed can be challenging. It is extremely important to have your personal health record organized and have a “Go” plan and bag in case you need hospitalization.

  • My blog post about navigating your healthcare during this time offers tips on how to be your own best advocate, how to prepare for upcoming appointments and 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!
 

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.

 

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.