To Thine Own Self Be True (with apologies to William Shakespeare)

To Thine Own Self Be True (with apologies to William Shakespeare)

This post was contributed by
Cindi Gatton, Pathfinder Patient Advocacy Group

As professional patient advocates we come to our discipline with a deep desire to help people through the vagaries of our healthcare system, a system that can swallow up even the most informed consumer. Our clients trust us to be able to step back from the situations that are upsetting and unfathomable to them to help them make truly personalized, informed decisions.

This is not work for the ...

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client services, health and patient advocate skills, mentoring, starting an advocacy practice, Uncategorized

Why it’s so important to understand business (why you will fail if you don’t)

Why it’s so important to understand business (why you will fail if you don’t)

This post was contributed by
Elisabeth Schuler

Often people are drawn toward patient advocacy because in their own lives, they helped family members or friends struggling to overcome obstacles or find solutions as they navigated an illness, chronic disease or the transitions in the life of an elderly parent. Many come out of those experiences passionate that others going through the same thing should not have to “learn the hard way” and determined to use their newfound knowledge ...

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marketing, mentoring, starting an advocacy practice

A Patient Advocate’s Life

This video post was contributed by
Caryn Isaacs, Get Health Help

A Patient Advocate’s Life

Caryn Isaacs

Are you prepared to help people regardless of your feelings towards them?

 

Ask yourself:

  • Do you like to get involved in other people’s problems and to take control of the situation?
  • Do you like to get involved in complex issues?
  • Do you like to listen to what others are saying?
  • Are you in good ...
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client services, mentoring, starting an advocacy practice

4 Steps to Being the Most Effective Advocate

4 Steps to Being the Most Effective Advocate

This post was contributed by
Martine Brousse, AdvimedPro

Welcome to our growing circle of advocates!

You have learned from APHA and other mentors how to set your business and get started.

So let me ask you. Why did you choose this rewarding but challenging profession? What do you have to offer? What are your expectations?

1. Know your niche

Too often, new or prospective advocates ask me: “How quickly can I learn medical billing?”

While I always welcome the opportunity to educate, this ...

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client services, health and patient advocate skills, mentoring

Starting an Advocacy Business

This post was contributed by
Julie Hess

Starting an Advocacy Business
Julie Hess

  • What will your business look like? (Business formation and type, registrations, licenses, ID numbers, and insurance)
  • First Steps (Marketing, Business Identity, Appointments and Speaking Engagements)
  • Cautions about office space and confidentiality
  • Have fun!  and a final note:

I have had a fantastic time growing my business. There have been hard days –sure. But the people from all walks of life that I have met, far outweigh the ...

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marketing, mentoring, starting an advocacy practice

Helping Clients Help Themselves

This post was contributed by
Linda Adler

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXqZleq-5iU&feature=youtu.be&w=500]

 

Helping Clients Help Themselves

One of the best things we can do for our clients is to help them become good self advocates when we’re not around. Good communication is the key!

Specifically, we can work with them:

1.  To determine what their communication style is and how to improve it

  • Self inventory
  • Video sessions

2.  To help them become a good negotiators:

  • Achieve clarity about their bottom line
  • Set realistic goals
  • Practice time management
  • Adopt a collaborative ...
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client services, mentoring

What Do You Need to Learn? What Do You Wish You Knew About the Practice of Advocacy?

What Do You Need to Learn? What Do You Wish You Knew About the Practice of Advocacy?

This Health and Patient Advocate Programs website has been providing information about learning opportunities for advocates and care managers for more than five years. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, there will always been a need for further education!

With that premise, we kick off this blog on just that topic – learning opportunities for health and patient advocates and those who wish to become one.

We have an excellent lineup of blogging talent in front of us.  These are individuals, all ...

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mentoring