Keeping Up with Technological Innovations
By Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC
Technological innovations impact every aspect of our lives and access to them has been invaluable while we navigate life during a pandemic. People all along the age continuum have learned to incorporate new technological resources into their daily lives. Securing access to and embracing technological innovations enhances our lives in a variety of ways.
While many articles about embracing technological innovations focus of the benefits to the senior community, the suggestions and resources are useful for everyone. There are so many ways technology has enhanced our lives.
As an independent board certified patient advocate, my focus in this post is on the roles technology plays in achieving better health outcomes, facilitating patient centered care, and ensuring the patient always has the resources to make an informed decision.
Technology use can also positively impact other aspects of our overall health. I have included resources for three other categories and some general resources to explore as well.
Healthcare: Advancements in technology are assisting greatly in a patient’s quick access to their own health information. Patient portals via website and apps give access to doctor’s visit notes, test results, medial history, medications, health education, and improve lines of communication between the provider and patient. Consumers are able to access their insurance claim records online, review Explanation of Benefits, research medications covered by their insurer, get procedure pricing and prescription cost estimates, and more. It is worth exploring websites that provide data about facilities and patient safety, how often a physician has performed a procedure, and ways to protect oneself during a hospital stay.
Review the sites and articles below and explore ones that are new to you and share with others. Access to technology about your health and healthcare, as well as other topics gives you the opportunity to be an informed consumer! It will improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life!
Managing Your Health
Improved Access to Medical Information and Data
DID YOU KNOW? The program rule on Interoperability, Information Blocking, and ONC Health IT Certification, which implements the 21st Century Cures Act passed in 2016, requires patients be provided access to all the health information in their electronic medical records without charge by their healthcare provider beginning April 5, 2021.
Patient Portals: Insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, Access to your Healthcare Team and Health Records
Patient Education: Access to reliable information about a recent diagnosis from disease/condition specific organizations and alliances, MedlinePlus, American Academy of Family Physicians, National Institutes of Health
Patient Safety: Hospital Safety Grade, Consumers Advancing Patient Safety, MedlinePlus Patient Safety page
Healthcare Costs
Procedure Estimators: Fair Health Consumer, Medicare, Healthcare Bluebook
Insurance Plan Estimators: Medicare.gov, Healthcare.gov, Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator, Visit the insurer’s website to estimate costs and compare plans
Lifelong Learning:
Online classes: Local Libraries, Community Centers, Adult Education, TED ED , AARP, Tech Boomers, Senior Planet , GCFLearnFree.org
Social Connection:
Kaiser Health News: Seniors Form Covid Pods
New York Times: How the Virus Changed the Way We Internet
Transforming Aging:
Worth Magazine: New Technology that is Ushering in a Revolution in Senior Care
General Resources:
Check with your local library to see what technological devices are available for loan
Technology Guides:
GenTech Guides (scroll to bottom of page)
During this uncertain time is it more important than ever that we are connected to the best possible resources. Contact me to help you!
——————————————
Connect With Us: When the complexity of your healthcare situation is too challenging to navigate on your own working with an independent board certified patient advocate can help cut through the “red tape” and reduce complications at an emotional time. Contact Ailene to learn more about the value of working with a private patient advocate.