Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your Side

Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side

   by Martine G. Brousse, 

Healthcare Specialist, Patient Advocate, Certified Mediator

ADVIMEDPRO

 

Five Useful Apps to help 

manage your Health.. and they're free!

In these days of financial cutbacks, growing limitations of services,  and talks of deficit and doom, isn't it refreshing to see that the US Government, and its health-related agencies, have been hard at work creating apps that benefit our lives, enhance our well-being, help manage our health, and educate us at the touch of a screen, and at no cost?

Here are five favorites: 

52 Weeks for Women’s Health 

 By: National Institutes of Health
 Platforms: Android, iPhone

 http://52weeks4women.nih.gov/

The info and content of the 52 weekly topics offered in this app relate to women's health, ranging from contraception to arthritis, from depression to hormones, and much more. Make a list of favorite items for easy reference, and keep track of your personal health data including storing a list of Rx or detailing allergies. Each topic is enhanced by lifestyle tips to help you achieve greater wellness. 

MyMedList (MML) By: National Library of Health

                          Platforms: IPad, IPhone, IPod Touch

                          http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mobile/index.html

This app is invaluable to help you record, track, and manage your current medications. It allows you to keep reference of past Rx and to set reminders to take ones now. You can print or share the list with your pharmacist and medical providers, to avoid duplication and counteractions. 

MyFamily           By: Healthfinders.gov

                        Platforms: IPad, IPhone, IPod Touch        

                        http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mobile/index.html

Use this app to create a family wellness plan, and get information of the preventive and wellness services covered under the ACA health laws. Input each family member's history and health records, list of Rx, health-related activities and priorities. Get personalized information on prevention and wellness, access the glossary of medical terms,  or use the service locator. 

My Dietary Supplements (MyDS) 

                       By: National Institutes of Health

                       Platforms: Android, Andoid Tablet, Blackberry Touch, 

                       IPad, IPhone, IPod Touch, Kindle Fire   http://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/mobile/aboutmyds.aspx

Store the name and dosages of supplements, vitamins, herbs you currently take, and use as a reference at your next Doctor visit. This list can be printed or emailed. Research the extensive scientific database for other dietary supplements.  

                       

Health Hotlines  By: National Library of Medicine

                        Platforms: IPad, IPhone, IPod Touch

               https://itunes.apple.com/app/healthhotlines/id376404746

This app lists over 9,000 names and numbers of private and governmental organizations, professional societies, referral centers, support groups, volunteer and advocate groups. While no recommendations are made by the NLM, this is the place to find information and access to assistance. 

More apps are available at: http://www.hhs.gov/digitalstrategy/mobile/mobile-apps.html?goback=%2Eanb_3106684_*2_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1#%21.

I encourage you to explore them. Flu tracking, pregnancy advice, smoking cessation and access to an extensive medical library of journals and articles are among those listed there. There are even a couple of games your teens, or yourself, might find fun and educational. 

                 

©  [2016] Advimedpro.

©  [2016] Martine G. Brousse.

All rights reserved.

My objective is to offer you, the patient, concrete and beneficial information, useful tips, proven and efficient tools as well as trustworthy supportive advice as you deal with a system in the midst of sweeping adjustments, widespread misunderstandings and complex requirements. 

AdvimedPro        (424) 999 4705 or (877) 658 9446       fax (424) 226 1330

                                         www.advimedpro.com           contact@advimedpro.com

Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side

Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side

   by Martine G. Brousse, 

Healthcare Specialist, Patient Advocate, Certified Mediator

ADVIMEDPRO

5 IDEAS TO RAISE (OR SAVE) FUNDS FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES

The news bulletins, articles and reports all tell the same tale: the skyrocketing cost of healthcare is the biggest financial issue this nation is facing. Healthcare related expenditures affect every level and socio-economic group. The strain of this price tag placed on the economy is unsustainable, and the nation is in the mist of an enormous, new-system-building process with the implementation of ACA ("Obamacare") to try and contain costs, while establishing measurable and controlled quality of care measures. 

The scope of this blog is not to add to the debates, opinions and talks about ACA. Patients are asked to burden an ever-growing share of costs, ranging from seemingly uncontrolled premium increases, to high deductible and out-of-pocket amounts, from reduced covered benefits to often outrageous prescription copays. Allow me to put forth 5 ideas you may not have thought or known about, and which may help you raise the healthcare funds you need. 

1. Prescriptions Drugs

One web address to know: http://www.needymeds.org/

This one website offers numerous links to discount cards and manufacturersʻ rebate programs, provides you with applications for assistance, directs you to over 13,000 free clinics in the country and lists all available assistance resources per drug, generic or not. Check them out and never pay full price again for your prescription!

Another option is to ask your Doctor for samples. A third option is to ask your Doctor to send prescriptions to US BioServices or TNH Pharmacies. Their reps will find financial assistance programs for you if your co-pay is too prohibitive. Another suggestion: Costco has been named by various consumer groups as the cheapest overall pharmacy. You do NOT need to be a member to use their services. Just tell the greeter at the door you are here to fill a prescription, and they will let you in. Your price is the same as any memberʻs. 

2. Check your benefits

Based on your social circumstances, financial needs and your State of residency, you may well be eligible for various benefits. Easy to find resources, links and information are readily available. 

Visit : http://www.benefits.gov/ and https://www.benefitscheckup.org/  if you are a Senior. 

From insurance coverage to child support collection, and from housing assistance to subsidized meals, there might well be more help coming to you than you imagined. 

3. Have a fundraiser

I am not only talking about a neighborhood garage sale and car wash, family or church bake sale or even the envelope passed among your co-workers here. I am suggesting to go all Social Media. Reach out not only to your friends and family members, but also to their friends and on and on. Reach out to 100 acquaintances, and see how many people respond! (yes, you have 100 acquaintances). Remember: if you donʻt ask, you canʻt receive.

May I suggest 3 "professional" websites which will help you with the planning and execution:  http://www.giveforward.com -  http://www.youcaring.com/ - http://www.gofundme.com/

4    4. Cash in or borrow against your life insurance 

        I understand this policy is not a savings account, not meant for you during this lifetime. It is your gift, the security blanket, peace of mind from you to the ones who will stay here after you. By no means, would I suggest you now ignore the welfare of young children or of a spouse with financial needs. All I am asking is for you to consider using that life insurance for yourself, now that you need it, and if others donʻt. 

       

       Though cancer-focused, the links below present  information that may be used in all healthcare-related cases: 

      http://www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/insurance-and-financial-assistance/converting-life-insurance-into-income/   and  http://www.cancer.org/treatment/findingandpayingfortreatment/managinginsuranceissues/healthinsuranceandfinancialassistanceforthecancerpatient/health-insurance-and-financial-assistance-life-ins-policies

        5. GOOGLE away

       Are you aware of all the free or low cost services available through your city, county or State, or through the many community and national charitable organizations? Let me name a few: Free transportation to and from Dr offices, labor and patient rights legal advice, basic needs including free meal delivery, child care services, mortgage and debt support, tax benefits guidance, reduced utility bills, mental services, emotional support, free gas. Google the type of service you require, your city and the word "assistance" or "free" and see what comes up. Contact your city or county, and check out what they offer. Check out the local paper for ads. Google the name of your diagnosis with "assistance" and check out societies and associations. 

     Another avenue to explore: remember all those cards you put somewhere, never used? Organizations such as AARP or AAA extend discounts to their members, including insurance services, car rental and lodgings, car repairs, but also reduced entrance fees to attractions, restaurants, and numerous venues. These will save you $ and a dollar saved is a dollar earned. 

       All websites may not lead to financial nirvana, but many of them will help you along the way. Do not be discouraged if cash is not handed over. Save cash on utilities or mortgage, and pay a medical bill. Spend 30 min initializing a fundraiser effort, and watch the generosity of family, friends and oftentimes total strangers unveiled. Get expertise, services, groceries, etc from those who told you "call me when you need anything!". Now is the time to ask. 

       

©  [2016] Advimedpro.

©  [2016] Martine G. Brousse.

All rights reserved.

My objective is to offer you, the patient, concrete and beneficial information, useful tips, proven and efficient tools as well as trustworthy supportive advice as you deal with a system in the midst of sweeping adjustments, widespread misunderstandings and complex requirements. 

AdvimedPro        (424) 999 4705 or (877) 658 9446       fax (424) 226 1330

                                         www.advimedpro.com           contact@advimedpro.com

Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side

Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side

   by Martine G. Brousse, 

Healthcare Specialist, Patient Advocate, Certified Mediator

ADVIMEDPRO

Five (more) Good Reasons

 to Hire a Patient Advocate

My previous expose on this subject highlighted the financial, billing-related and administrative support an advocate could provide patients with. Auditing claims and statements, negotiating reduced fees, appealing with insurance carriers, helping navigate a complex system and helping find assistance are some of the more common skills available to patients. 

Let us focus this week on other more practical aspects.

1. I am confused about my treatment options

The news of any diagnosis requiring a surgical intervention, an invasive or difficult treatment, an inpatient stay or the loss, temporary or not, of the use of a limb or organ can be daunting and overwhelming. Managing a chronic illness or condition will almost certainly require a change of mind, a lifestyle adjustment, the need for educational resources and a bit of support. 

An advocate specializing in the condition you face will research your clinical, pharmaceutical and treatment options. This will ensure that the prescribed course of active meets FDA guidelines, is covered by your insurance, and that you have all the  necessary information you need to make an informed decision. It will allow you to prepare yourself, your caregiver and loved ones to the upcoming adjustments and changes in your life. 

While only a medical doctor can and should advise you on your medical needs and status, your advocate can translate new requirements into concrete steps. Nutritional musts can be turned into recipes and menus, treatment side effects can be eased, preparation can lower anxiety and bring back a sense of control, education will empower.

An advocate can help find specialists, centers of treatment, or necessary equipment. She/he will help you schedule the second opinion appointment you are entitled to. Some advocates will suggest or investigate alternative therapies, and keep you informed on nutritional supplementation.

  
2. I cannot care for my loved one.

The last decades have seen innumerable changes in our society, yet one that is becoming more and more challenging, especially as the American population ages, is that of  family members unable to care for others, due to work obligations, geographical distance or responsibilities their own family. 

Advocates are then hired to step in and act as the main caregiver, their eyes and ears. Accompanying the patient to appointments, monitoring their prescription schedule, assisting with daily logistics at home, acting as their liaison with medical office staff and insurance carriers, handling communications with clinicians, being at their bedside while inpatient or in another facility, are all part of this service. The advocate reports findings, changes and progress in a status report to the person(s) who has hired them. She/he can also organize other supportive care, supervise activities,  monitor visits and communicate to you your loved oneʻs mental and emotional state of mind.  

3. I need someone to coordinate my care at home or in rehab facility. 

The logistics of dealing with a serious diagnosis or condition are often obscure and unknown at first glance. In case of injury or accidents, seemingly simple activities can become frustrating and complicated. If a patient needs to stay in a rehab facility or is unable to return home after an inpatient stay, an advocate may be the helping hand you need to reach to. From finding a neighbor to feed Fluffy, to making sure the wheelchair is delivered to the right address, to updating and communicating the patientʻs medication list to all clinicians involved, to checking insurance coverage for all services, to driving a spouse to visit you, the advocate can help coordinate your care, and help with the day-to-day management of your affairs until you are back to normal. He/she will collect discharge instructions and make sure they are implemented and followed. If you are at home, he/she will arrange for and supervise treatments and therapies given there. He/she will also make sure your safety and well-being are given the utmost priority.

  
4. I need help dealing with legal and social paperwork.

Some advocates specialize in  services that are more on the regulations and legal side. A patient is given a difficult dx, needs to start treatment or schedule surgery that same week, and must deal with 1,001 details while sinking into the unknown and having to find immediate solutions to countless problems. How does one get about filing for disability? What about job security and duties? How to sign up for financial support programs such as SNAP (food stamps), or MediAid as 2ndary coverage? If someone has a incurable condition, can they get permanent disability and Medicare?

If a patient faces a shortened life expectancy, or may be incapacitated to make decisions, what discussion should we have? Who with? What are the necessary forms to fill out? Where should these be filed?  

While you should seek legal, financial and accounting advise from a specialized professional, an advocate can help answer many of these questions, provide you with forms and assist you with applications. They can educate you on your basic rights and direct you to more appropriate or specialized organizations and agencies. 

5. I need other services

Advocates are sometimes known to carry other hats: life coach, stress-management advisor, interpreter, mediator, medical literature researcher, alternative modalities consultant, mentor, moral supporter. 

Trust your advocate to locate national support organizations, local resources, free or low cost services. Let your advocate be the impartial and trustworthy manager of your fundraising efforts. 

Join with other patients and hire an advocate as a group, for an educational informative session based on your specific clinical circumstance, or ask your Dr to provide one. Join your senior friends and neighbors for a presentation on upcoming healthcare changes. Ask your employer for a stress management office-wide consultation. 

I, for example, can assist you in preparing, concretizing and implementing a plan of action based on your oncology-related diagnosis and regimen. My background as a billing manager enables me to offer you expert administrative and claim-related auditing services, as well as other financial skills. My degree in metaphysics and extensive knowledge of alternative therapies are perfect foundations for a range of other modalities you may find of interest: strategy for stress management and for keeping focus on wellness goals, body/mind/spirit protocols, family healing mediations, local resources and addresses. 

  

©  [2016] Advimedpro.

©  [2016] Martine G. Brousse.

All rights reserved.

My objective is to offer you, the patient, concrete and beneficial information, useful tips, proven and efficient tools as well as trustworthy supportive advice as you deal with a system in the midst of sweeping adjustments, widespread misunderstandings and complex requirements. 

AdvimedPro        (424) 999 4705 or (877) 658 9446       fax (424) 226 1330

                                         www.advimedpro.com           contact@advimedpro.com