A GUIDE TO DEVELOP:
MY MEDICAL INFORMATION PREPAREDNESS CHECK LIST
Hello Healthcare Consumers and welcome to HEALTHCARE ADVOCACY INSIGHTS, the newsletter that tries to help “Make healthcare easier to understand and navigate.” OUR MISSION: HAI is to provide information for individuals in the role of healthcare advocate and other related topics. Every patient dealing with the US healthcare system requires a healthcare advocate to assist in seeing the right things are done at the right time in the right place. We will publish a newsletter monthly.
OUR GOAL: We are committed to making healthcare personal.
Most healthcare consumers are not prepared for a personal or family emergency. In addition, most consumers do not have their medical information in one place. This newsletter will focus on what information you proactively need to have available when you have a Medical Emergency, initial doctor visits or is available for family members to use.
Our inaugural newsletter told a scary story about Jay Herron, Co-founder of Healthcare Advocacy Insights and his Medical Emergency. The reason for sharing the story is to “Connect the Dots” when a Medical Emergency happens to you or a family member. “Connecting the Dots” will show how critical personal medical information will help make the process more transparent and help medical professionals treat your medical problems.
So, let’s begin.
First, let’s begin by reviewing the definitions of Healthcare Advocacy.
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As we “Connect the Dots”, our first step is to start with the foundation of Healthcare Advocacy. This will help the Healthcare Consumer to understand their current level of Advocate support. In addition, we will start “Connecting the Dots “by explaining Advocate responsibilities, questions to ask, benefits and how to find an advocate.
Healthcare Advocacy Defined
Everyone getting medical treatment should have someone to support them to help raise questions, take notes, enhance communication with medical staff and make sure they are receiving patient-centered care. This person is called a Healthcare Advocate. An advocate can also help organize support from others, run errands, and generally support a patient’s needs throughout their care and treatment.
There are three (3) different ways we can define a Healthcare Advocate. The following helps you decide which approach you can take and for you to “Connect the Dots”
1. PROACIVE Healthcare Advocate
A Proactive Healthcare Advocate refers to the efforts made organizations to support patients in accessing healthcare services, understanding their rights, and making informed decisions about their health. Advocates are professionals hired by patients to assist patients in various ways, including navigating complex medical systems, understanding treatment options, and addressing billing issues.
2. Default Healthcare Advocate
Unfortunately, the most common is a Default Healthcare Advocate. Since most healthcare consumers are not prepared for a medical emergency, a family member or a friend by default becomes your advocate. The Default Advocate will provide the same services as a hired advocate.
3. AI Healthcare Advocate
Which “Dot” do you connect too? Take some time to make that determination.
Now you are wondering how a MEDICAL INFORMATION PREPAREDNESS CHECK LIST will help me. Most healthcare consumers are not prepared for a personal or family medical event. The check list is an all-inclusive information document that prepares you for any medical event. The following is a step-by-step guide to help you create your personal MEDICAL INFORMATION PREPAREDNESS CHECK LIST.
A GIIDE TO DEVELOP A MEDICAL INFORMATION PREPAREDNESS CHECK LIST
STEP 1: Review the document below to make yourself familiar with the information that will be included in your check list. Remember, the check list is intended to ne used when you have a medical event.
STEP 2: Start locating and gathering the documents that will be included in your check list.
STEP 3: Secure a new workbook and folder to document and store your information.
STEP 4: Print out the forms you will need to fill out. Utilize the websites provided to locate the forms.
STEP 5: Update annually or when you move or change employers.
Share your feedback on our newsletter. If you have a story for our readers, email us with details and contact info. All messages are kept confidential.
OUR EMAIL ADDRESS: advocacy@haiadvisors.com