Navigating Medical Care ... from page 24
patient advocates. Some are geriatric care managers like Sabatina. Others are registered nurse patient advocates and health advocates. Many are former nurses or social workers. Retired doctors are also entering the field. The one thing they all have in common is that they work independently of hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions. They focus entirely on their clients.
A Growing Profession It’s difficult to determine just how many “patient advocates” there are in the United States. There’s no real way of tracking the numbers because there’s no national certification for patient advocates. But anyone in the field will tell you it’s growing because they see firsthand the real demand there is out there. “We have more and more Baby Boomers and they’re not only patients themselves, but the children of elderly parents,” says Trisha Torrey, founder and director of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, a membership organization for patient advocates, and ADVOConnection, an online tool to help people find patient
advocates across the United States. “We have far more access to information and we are the most educated generation to come along,” Torrey says. “We are becoming less and less satisfied with the care we’re getting.” But Torrey doesn’t place all the blame on doctors. “Doctors have hospitals telling them what to do and insurance companies telling them what they can and can’t do. You have to wonder who is really practicing medicine,” she says. The fees for patient advocates vary depending on how much time they spend with a patient and what kinds of services they provide. Navigating the Health Care Maze Many seniors have a half dozen different specialists caring for them. Patient advocates help people navigate their way through the health care maze by keeping track of medical records, prescriptions, medical tests and medical bills. They make sure the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.
“We make sure a physician has the information from a previous physician,” Sabatina says. “Many doctors aren’t aware of the over-thecounter medications people are taking. We have a complete medication list and we make sure the doctor has all the information in hand before we get there. These things help doctors make better decisions. Doctors are very receptive. Communication is key and that’s what physicians appreciate the most.” Dr. Jack Wolfson, a cardiologist in Paradise Valley, is one of those appreciative physicians. Some of his patients are accompanied to his office by registered nurse patient advocate Mary Aime-Juedes, owner of RN Patient Advocates of Scottsdale. “The benefits are really extraordinary,” Wolfson says. “Every patient would benefit from having a nurse advocate like Mary. Mary is able to act as a go-between for the doctor and the patient. She asks the right questions and translates them into a language that’s understandable for the patients.” Although Wolfson spends 45 minutes with his patients, most doctors only have 10 minutes to 15 minutes to spend
Through the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates and ADVOConnection, Trisha Torrey helps people find patient advocates across the United States. on a typical office visit. Advocates like Aime-Juedes can make sure that short time is as productive as possible. “It’s important to have an advocate in your corner,” Wolfson says. “They ask the right questions and make sure the patients get their answers.”
Patient Advocates: Not Just for Seniors Susan Kern-Fleischer,
a
public
C
ome see for yourself! Rich in culture and just minutes from shopping, entertainment and recreation, Montesa offers; a premier active style of living with resort amenities, stunning natural landscape and Premier Custom Homes. Exercise in our 2700+ sq ft state-of-the-art fitness center with top of the line cardio equipment, play water volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, pickleball, or hit the tennis courts. Relax in front of the big screen TV or socialize with friends in our 11,000 square foot community center or near our heated pool and spa. Experience a Lifestyle Beyond Compare with spectacular views of the Superstition Mountains. Much more than a place to live!
Register for our complimentary Guest Suite! Come stay for FREE! page 26 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : June 2014
• Ballroom Dancing • Craft Room • Billiards • Card Room • Library • Free Wi-Fi- Hot Spots along with a Computer Lounge • Year-round Events • Gated with 24 hour Security Guard
An age-qualified Community
7373 E. US Highway 60 Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 (480) 982-2393
HOURS: Mon - Fri: 8am to 4pm
Sat: 9am to 4pm Sun: 10am to 3pm
www.lovinlifeafter50.com