Patients Are Powerful

Archive for the ‘patient advocates’ Category

As a Chicago chiropractor, I wait anxiously along with my patients and the rest of the country for the passing of a new comprehensive and compassionate Health Care Bill. And, along with the questions of cost and inclusiveness that everyone is asking, I believe that we should also be asking if an overhaul of the U.S. heathcare system will include simplification? Let’s face it, our current system is not only horribly expensive and amazingly ineffective, it is inherently complicated. When a person is ill, and may be in need of surgery or recovering from it, the last thing that they should have to worry about are complex insurance issues, sorting through mountains of bills, making certain that the proper medications are given, and that appropriate arrangements for follow-up treatment are made. Thanks to the dedicated patient advocate, these questions often do get answered.

However, if the new Health Bill falls short of simplification, as most Congressional Bills tend to do, through patient advocacy, patients will still have the “extra strength” they’ll need in order to stay informed when talking to the doctors, in getting to see a desired specialist, in ensuring that the pills that they are given are the ones meant for them, and, if necessary, in negotiating for any additional help that they may require and the fees charged for the services.

This is just part of the great service that patient advocates provide today. And, I suspect that no matter what happens to the healthcare system in the future, with the scores of aging baby boomers demanding, as they should, to receive the proper and affordable health care they require, the patient advocate will still be a vital part of any health environment.

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As an Oxnard Chiropractor I’m well aware that health care is expensive and that too many people go about their lives uninsured. Patients are powerful when it comes to speaking up for universal health coverage, but a comprehensive solution to the problem may be a long time coming (for those in need right now). Fortunately, there are patient advocates, i.e., nonprofit groups out there, particularly here in California, who are organized, informed, and ready to assist those in requiring free or low-cost health care services now to find the help they need.

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Thursday, July 2, 2009, 2:43pm PDT

Web site connects consumers to free health care

A Sacramento nonprofit has launched a Web site with a comprehensive listing of free or low-cost health care services for consumers.

The site, myhealthresource.org, is sponsored by Californians for Patient Care.

It provides information on health services throughout the state, including local, state and federal health care programs, insurance options, information about disease management prescription services, area hospital and clinics — along with locations and directions — mental health assistance, homeless resource and more.

A visitor simply enters a ZIP code, clicks on the category of interest, and is presented with information and a variety of options.

The online resource comes as unemployment continues to rise in the region and growing numbers of local residents lose their health insurance along with their jobs.

There are an estimated 250,000 people without health insurance in Sacramento County, said registered nurse Maria Robles, president of Californians for Patient Care.

“Sacramento’s teachers, firefighters and state government workers are losing their jobs at an alarming rate,” Robles said in a press release. The online service provides information on how to get coverage and/or treatment at no or low cost.

While the Web site is intended for consumers who need direction to services, doctors and other providers may want to use it to find out how to help an uninsured patient get access to further care.

Sacramento Business Journal – by Kathy Robertson Staff writer

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