Patients Are Powerful

Patients are powerful, especially when they have resources available to them. As a chiropractor who has a “live chat” feature on my website, I was impressed to learn that the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) also has such a feature. There is a plethora of information and a complete section on patient education on the website. Plus, it offers a number of patient services such as assistance with arbitration, mediation and negotiation to settle issues with access to care, medical debt, and job retention related to patient illness. But, the best thing that this particular website offers is a “live chat” function. I have found that many seniors find talking to a “real” person not only more helping than trying to negotiate website directions, but also comforting. And, isn’t that what we, health care providers and patient advocates, want for our patients? A one-on-one conversation can ease frustration and clear confusion in all patients who need help, but in my opinion, it is our senior population who desires this feature most.

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