Image source: www.ifs.tuwien.ac.at
In my opinion,
A patient advocate assists a patient through diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as everyday wellness and preventative options.
- navigates the healthcare system
- communicates with medical professionals
- getting a medical second opinion
- filling out forms for care and insurance
A patient advocate understands the medical system, billing, medicaid and medicare, managed care options and local wellness resources.
A patient advocate has good communication, gives and commands respect, and is politely assertive in navigating the healthcare system.
A patient advocate is people oriented and has plenty of PATIENCE!
Being a patient advocate for me combines sympathy and empathy for those going through the healthcare system with creative problem solving skills.
Guiding a person or family through a health crisis or achieving an overall state of well-being reflects a personal mission, life experience and familiarity with some of the pitfalls and challenges in the U.S. healthcare system.
Patient advocates have a strong desire to help patients and families achieve the best possible results no matter what.
As a volunteer patient advocate I stay up to date on healthcare news and information, community resources and changes to NY city and state care systems.
The skills I will also be developing:
Language and Effective Patient-Doctor communication
Patient Case studies
Wellness leadership
medical billing + insurance; Medicaid + Medicare;
Managed Care Options
Elder sensitivity, disability, chronic illness, mental impairment sensitivity
caregiver support (for family members and aides)
My volunteer services are currently available through
NAB Design Volunteer Concierge Services - caribnaildesign.wordpress.com
JNJ Home Healthcare Inc. - www.jnjhomehealthcareinc.com
IMCEE- Intergenerational Multicultural Coalition - www.facebook.com/imceenyc
TIMEBANKS NYC - www.timebanksnyc.org
email nikkibcommunity@gmail.com
