Why Go To Doctor Appointments With A Patient Advocate?

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Medical visits can feel overwhelming when you are faced with limited time with your doctor, discussing test results that may be hard to understand, and making the best decisions on how to move forward with treatment options – and so much more.

Patient advocates help to ensure that individuals receive the best possible care and understand their medical options. As certified professionals, these trusted individuals accompany patients to doctor appointments, helping to clarify medical information, ask pertinent questions, and provide support.

With the high cost of medical bills and the complexity of treatments, having someone knowledgeable about the healthcare system can make a significant difference in the quality of care received. Here’s how attending your doctor appointments with Stevie, the board certified patient advocate from Seawind Health Advocacy Group, based in Ocean County, New Jersey, can improve your healthcare experience.

What is a Patient Advocate?

A patient advocate is someone who supports and guides patients through the healthcare system, particularly during medical appointments. Their primary role is to ensure that patients understand their medical conditions, treatment options, and rights. They also assist in communicating effectively with healthcare providers and managing medical bills.

There are two pillars of patient advocacy: professional and personal. Professional, board certified patient advocates like Stevie Kiziukiewicz, are certified by organizations such as the Patient Advocate Certification Board and possess specialized knowledge in about the healthcare system. Professional advocates provide a variety of services which may include consulting and procurement services in areas like financial and legal resources, ensuring patients receive appropriate care without unnecessary financial burdens. Advocates can also accompany patients to medical appointments, provide emotional support, ask relevant questions, and help to recall essential information discussed during visits.

Patient advocates can be beneficial in various situations. These services are ideal for senior citizens and elderly patients who may have difficulty understanding complex medical information or those dealing with chronic illnesses requiring continuous and coordinated care. People with young children who are facing significant medical decisions, special needs, or those without a strong support network might find a health advocate invaluable for making informed choices and ensuring their needs are met within the healthcare system.

Benefits of Having a Patient Advocate

Enhanced Communication

Patient advocates facilitate clear communication between patients and healthcare providers. They ensure that patients fully understand the medical information being provided and can articulate their concerns effectively. For example, during a complex diagnosis, an advocate can help break down medical jargon and ensure all questions are answered, leading to more informed discussions with healthcare providers.

Improved Understanding

Advocates assist patients in comprehending medical terminology and treatment options, making the health care journey less overwhelming. They help patients ask critical questions that might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring all aspects of their care are thoroughly explored. This is particularly beneficial when considering complex treatment plans or new medications, where understanding every detail is vital.

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Emotional Support is A Crucial Component of Patient Care

One of the significant benefits of having a professional, board certified patient advocate like Stevie from Seawind Health Advocacy Group attend doctor’s appointments with you is the emotional support they provide. This support is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a critical element in delivering high-quality, person-centered care, especially for those dealing with chronic and complex conditions.

A study published in the Journal of Patient Experience highlights the importance of emotional support in healthcare settings. The research found that patients highly value clinicians who demonstrate emotional concern for them, particularly during rehabilitation and recovery phases (Bradshaw et al., 2022). This emotional support encompasses three key components: a cognitive understanding of patient needs, an affective imagination of what the patient values, and an altruistic action to alleviate the patient’s pain.

The study identified three main themes that emerged from both patients’ and clinicians’ experiences:

  1. Warmth and kindness
  2. Deep listening
  3. Social connection in the process of treatment

A patient advocate like Stevie embodies these qualities, providing a warm and kind presence during potentially stressful medical appointments. They practice deep listening, ensuring that your concerns are fully heard and understood. They also facilitate social connection, acting as a bridge between you and your healthcare providers.

Importantly, the study notes that emotional support contributes to a positive patient experience when care encompasses both clinical and emotional aspects. By having a patient advocate present, you’re ensuring that this is not overlooked in your healthcare journey.

The research also emphasizes the value of “narrative knowing” – a shared understanding between the clinician and patient regarding the experience of chronic disease and associated feelings. A skilled patient advocate can help facilitate this understanding, translating your personal narrative into terms that resonate with healthcare providers.

By providing this emotional support, a patient advocate like Stevie from Seawind Health Advocacy Group can significantly enhance your healthcare experience, potentially leading to better outcomes and improved overall well-being.

Mediating Helps Bridge the Communication Gap

One of the most valuable benefits of having a board certified patient advocate like Stevie from Seawind Health Advocacy Group attend doctor’s appointments with you is their role as a mediator. This function helps ensure clear communication between patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

A concept analysis of patient advocacy in nursing, published in the Journal of Research in Nursing, highlights “mediating” as a key attribute of patient advocacy (Abbasinia et al., 2019). The research emphasizes that patient advocates serve as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare professionals, effectively becoming the patient’s voice in medical settings.

This mediating role is particularly important because:

  1. Cultural barriers or fear of repercussions can prevent patients from expressing their wishes openly.
  2. Patients may struggle to fully understand the information provided by healthcare providers.
  3. Some patients feel powerless in medical settings and need someone to speak on their behalf.
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A board certified patient advocate like Stevie can bridge these communication gaps. They can articulate your preferences and concerns to the healthcare team, ensuring your voice is heard. This is especially crucial when dealing with complex medical information or when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your health situation.

Patient advocates can help communicate your cultural values and personal preferences to the healthcare team. This ensures that your care plan aligns not just with medical best practices, but also with your individual needs and beliefs.

By serving as a mediator, a patient advocate helps to prevent misunderstandings, ensures that all your questions are addressed, and helps you feel more empowered in your healthcare journey. This can lead to better-informed decisions, improved adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately, better health outcomes.

How to Prepare for Appointments with a Patient Advocate

Steps to Prepare for a Doctor’s Appointment with an Advocate

Preparation is key when attending medical appointments with a patient advocate. Follow these steps to ensure a productive session:

  1. Schedule and Confirm: Inform your healthcare provider that you will be bringing a patient advocate to your appointment.
  2. Discuss Expectations: Have a pre-appointment meeting with your advocate to outline your medical concerns, goals, and questions.
  3. Organize Information: Gather all relevant medical records, previous test results, and a list of current medications.

Checklist of Important Documents and Information to Bring

To make the most of your appointment, bring the following:

  • Medical History: Comprehensive records of past and current medical treatments.
  • Insurance Information: Details needed for filing insurance claims.
  • List of Medications: Names, dosages, and schedules of all medications currently taken.
  • Questions and Concerns: A written list to ensure nothing is overlooked during the discussion.

Tips for Effectively Utilizing the Advocate’s Presence During the Appointment

Maximize the benefits of having a patient advocate by:

  • Clarifying Roles: Define the advocate’s role in the meeting, whether it’s to ask questions, take notes, or provide emotional support.
  • Active Participation: Allow the advocate to engage directly with the healthcare provider, ensuring they are part of the conversation.
  • Follow-Up: After the appointment, review the information and next steps with your advocate to confirm understanding and plan accordingly.

Incorporating these practices ensures a thorough and effective use of patient advocates, whether they are professionals, social workers, or trusted family members. This preparation helps in navigating medical treatments efficiently and ensures comprehensive care.

the Advantages of Working With patient advocates cannot be overstated

Whether they are professional advocates or trusted family members, these individuals are instrumental in navigating health care services and interacting with health care providers. By offering clear communication, emotional support, and improved understanding of medical treatment options, advocates provide an invaluable service. They ensure patients make informed decisions and receive the care they deserve. Employing patient advocates effectively transforms the patient experience, making the journey through the health care system more manageable and less stressful.

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