It’s no big secret that healthcare is expensive. If you’ve been stressing out about healthcare costs and medical bills, you’ve got something in common with most Americans. But here’s what most Americans don’t know: patient care advocacy can help a lot to make things much more manageable. The healthcare system is confusing and complicated, so why not get a professional to help you navigate it?
What Can a Patient Care Advocate Do for You?
Approximately one-third of all American families struggle with medical bill costs, according to research from the CDC. Learn how to manage costs and potentially keep costs down by turning to an expert who understands all the ins and outs of the healthcare system.
Patient care advocacy can help you manage those healthcare costs and even keep them down. They act on your behalf, and on behalf of your family, by working with members of your healthcare team to keep costs down and help you manage those medical bills. They also make sure you get the best possible care, and that you completely understand all your different healthcare options, medications and treatments.
A patient care advocate will even go with you to doctors’ appointments and be present for procedures and tests, if you want. You decide when and how you want your healthcare advocate to help you, and you determine the boundaries of your relationship. They can be on hand to explain test results, symptoms and medications, or they can remain silent if you ask. Their job is to serve you and be your voice, and help you the way you want to be helped. It’s a professional insider in the healthcare industry who’s working to serve your best interests.
Using Patient Care Advocacy
A patient care advocate is usually a professional with a background in the medical field. Many hospitals and facilities will provide a care guardian if one is requested, but patient care advocates can also be hired independently. Speak to your elder care facility, and they can refer you to professionals in the patient care advocacy field.
Good Elder Care Planning
Do you have elder care solutions already in place? Good elder care planning is essential for a majority of Americans. It’s a good idea to think ahead and start planning, rather than waiting until decisions have to be made on an immediate basis. Whether that means using patient care advocacy services or hiring a caregiver, start making decisions now. It’s always best to make the tough decisions when you have time to weigh the options and explore your choices, rather than being in a position where you have to act fast.
Between 2015 and 2050, the world population of people 60 years of age and older will nearly double, rising from 12% to 22%. Don’t wait. Start your elder care planning now, and you can start putting together a plan that’s going to work for you and your family.
Patient advocacy can help you get your questions answered and explain medical treatments and options to you, but they don’t provide day-to-day elder care service. You may also want to consider getting an adult guardian or at-home caregiver who is trained to provide elder are solutions on a regular basis.
Managing Healthcare
Use the resources that are available to you, and start making healthcare work for you instead of against you. Good planning will reduce your medical bills and make it a lot easier to manage all those costs.