What exactly is a Patient Advocate and how can you help me?
A patient advocate is a comprehensive resource who provides information, explains a doctor's diagnosis in easy-to-understand language, helps to interpret a test result or MRI, CT scan or x-ray and identifies and evaluates the available treatment options for your particular condition. He is totally dedicated to assisting and advancing the cause of your medical and emotional well-being. Communicating with doctors and other health care providers and securing all of the relevant information and critical details allows a patient advocate to provide both practical advice—and peace of mind.
What's the medical benefit of having a Patient Advocate?
An independent patient advocate is in a position to focus all of his energy and expertise into making sure you receive safe, appropriate medical care. He counsels you on any questions or concerns you have about the medical information or recommendations that you've received and is available at any time to discuss current or proposed treatment, including medical procedures, drugs or alternative techniques. He can make every one of the different medical professionals participating in your care aware of each other's roles, minimizing the chances of any miscommunications and ensuring that a coordinated health care plan is in place that promotes your safety and comfort.
Can you help me schedule appointments or get a second opinion?
His extensive knowledge of the local medical community makes Dr. Cohen uniquely prepared to do both. He can recommend—or research as necessary—those physicians who are an appropriate fit for your situation, both medically and from a personality-style perspective. And when you have an immediate need for either a specialist or a second opinion, he can both review and assess the physicians in your insurance plan or tap into his network of medical professionals and in most cases secure you an appointment in short order.
Can you take me to—or at least join me at—doctor's appointments or medical procedures?
iCARE4U does not provide transport for patients, but if necessary can arrange for you to be taken to medical appointments. Dr. Cohen often accompanies patients to doctor visits, various tests or other appointments, serving as both an advocate for you and as liaison/advisor for members of your family, especially those who don't live in the area.
Will you help me understand my medications; why I take them and what they do for me?
We frequently work closely with your doctor as well as the local pharmacies to help educate you and ensure that you are taking your medications as prescribed. We also are accustomed to coordinating with family caregivers and/or home health personnel so they are in a position to assist you in proper medication management.
Are you able to help me with the overwhelming amount of paperwork I need to complete in conjunction with my medical condition?
We will review with you all the forms and medical authorization requirements so that you understand what your health care provider and insurance company need from you. If appropriate, we will even work directly with your provider and/or insurance company to make sure information is processed and delivered in a timely fashion, and ongoing health care or specific tests aren't delayed because of paperwork problems.
What can you do when it comes to my insurance company delaying or declining claims benefits?
Our years of experience make iCARE4U a unique resource when it comes to assisting patients in this regard. We will contact the insurance company directly to determine why a claim may have been denied or what additional information is needed for it to be reconsidered. We can also research the status of a claim, assist in securing approval for an upcoming procedure and help you in preparing a claim appeal.
How do you charge for your services and are they covered by Medicare or other insurance plans?
Since every individual's circumstances and needs are unique, iCARE4U will work with you to determine if charging an hourly rate or working on a retainer arrangement is most advantageous for you.
A patient advocate's services are not usually covered by Medicare or supplemental health insurance. You can, however, use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Company Health Account to provide payment to iCARE4U. It's also possible your long-term health policy may cover some services, so we are happy to review it to confirm the coverage conditions.
Can I be assured that anything I discuss with you will be kept confidential?
iCARE4U follows careful protocols that comply with all governmental privacy standards to ensure that all medical and personal information is fully protected and held confidential.
I have such a hard time getting in touch with my doctor. Will you be easier to reach?
Unlike most doctors, Dr. Cohen can be easily reached by cell phone throughout the day, in the evening and on weekends. If he is unable to answer your call, he will get back to you promptly. He is also available by email if you prefer.
