Navigating Medical Advocacy
As a patient, a customer, a client, a consumer advocating for yourself may be your most important role. An advocate is defined as, “One that supports or promotes the interests of another.” A medical advocate can be yourself, supporting and managing your own health care – or it can be provided from a service, such as Medical Advocacy Solutions from AllOne Health EAP. Medical care advocates function essentially as a liaison – between the doctor’s office, hospital staff, insurance companies and health care personnel to facilitate the flow of information.
You can learn to advocate for yourself. Do some homework so that you can help in the process. Here are a few key tips:
1. Familiarize yourself with your current condition
2. Ask Your Employer: According to a 2012 poll from the Society of Human Resource Management, many companies use flex time and telecommuting to help employees achieve work/life balance. The more control one has of their schedule, the less they experience stress.
3. Understand your physical, emotional and social needs
4. Review medications and possible side effects
5. Verify insurance coverage
6. Be confident in voicing questions, observations and concerns. (If you’re confused about tests or medications, ask questions.)
Creating a healthy work/life balance takes time and energy. Follow these six steps to begin balancing your work and life.
Experience shows that acting as an informed consumer results in a well-balanced exchange between you and your doctor and a higher standard of care.
