The Value of Creating and Expressing Your Health Decisions Plan
As patients, we have rights and responsibilities. Choice is one of the most significant of those rights. We have the right to choose whom will carry out our healthcare wishes should we be unable to express them for themselves. Having the conversations about your health care wishes proactively at times when one is not in crisis or facing a medical emergency, means that you have the opportunity to have thoughtful and intentional conversations about your health care and your wishes so that the information is known to those most important to you.
Staying Safe While Navigating the Healthcare System: Top 5 Tips to Follow!
Research shows that when patients are engaged in their health care, it can lead to measurable improvements in safety and quality. Here are 5 tips for staying safe as you or a loved one navigates the healthcare system.
Our first year in business "by the numbers!"
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Communicating Effectively With Your Doctor
Navigating today’s healthcare system can be complicated and challenging. To achieve the most effective outcome it is critical that healthcare consumers are engaged so that they receive quality care and treatment that aligns with their values and goals.
Being a “patient” is not a passive experience. Receiving effective care requires patients partner with their health practitioners in shared medical decisions. Patients should navigate their own healthcare with the knowledge that s/he is the most important member of her/his healthcare team.
Why Hire an Independent Board Certified Patient Advocate?
Navigating today’s healthcare system can be confusing, complicated, and time consuming. The challenges become even larger when an individual or a loved one receives a complicated diagnosis or is facing a serious illness. Independent board certified patient advocates (BCPA) have been trained to navigate the complexities of today’s healthcare system. Patient advocates have varied professional backgrounds ranging from those who have previously worked in the healthcare system to those drawn to the work as a result of a profound personal experience.
Ailene Gerhardt Earns Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) Credential
Ailene Gerhardt, Founder, Beacon Patient Advocates LLC, has earned the Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential. The BCPA designation, conferred by The Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB) to an inaugural cohort of 149 advocates nationwide, acknowledges patient advocate professionals who have demonstrated their experience and proficiency in the field of patient advocacy.