Home visits are making a comeback, thanks to Independent Patient Advocates

A home doctor visit used to be common practice with a host of benefits including convenience, better communication, increased trust, and an overall more personal patient/doctor relationship. Home visits meant doctors could see their patients in their own environment, where they are most comfortable. Doctors could also observe living arrangements, assess needs, and identify unsafe or unhealthy environments that would never be discovered in the examining room.

The Decline of Home Doctor Visits and the Need for Personalized Care

Unfortunately, the practice of home visits by doctors has declined over the years due to various reasons, but there is still a need for personalized and convenient care for patients who are unable to travel to a clinic or hospital. This is where Independent Patient Advocates can fill the void by offering home visits or telemedicine consultations.

During these visits, patient advocates can assess patients’ living conditions, provide medication management, and offer other medical and non-medical support. They can also be a valuable ally for someone who needs help understanding a new or complicated diagnosis, manage patient care and improve hospital responsiveness, secure second opinions, and help with the selection of long-term care facilities. They can act as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, help patients navigate the healthcare system, educate patients about their health conditions and treatment options, and advocate for their rights and preferences.

Independent Patient Advocates: Filling the Void Left by Doctors Who No Longer Make House Calls

Independent Patient Advocates can fill the void left by doctors who no longer make house calls by providing a range of services to patients. In doing so, patient advocates can help patients receive the care and support they need to manage their health conditions and improve their overall well-being.

Many Independent Patient Advocates are former healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, social workers, and medical case managers. Others worked for insurance companies, aging adults, or as mentors for people with disabilities or living with a chronic illness. A growing number of Independent Patient Advocates have been tested and credentialed by the Patient Advocacy Certification Board.

It’s important to know that each Independent Patient Advocates has a particular specialty that’s based on their own individual training and experience.

Medical Guidance Advocates

For example, Medical Guidance Advocates, are front-line advocates who can step in and take charge during a medical crisis or emergency. Medical Guidance Advocates have the clinical experience and skills to support patients struggling to manage a hospitalization or understand a new or complicated diagnosis.

Healthcare Advocates who specialize in Medical Guidance are front-line advocates who can step in and take charge during a medical crisis or emergency. They can be a valuable ally for any patient or loved one who needs help managing care, improving hospital responsiveness, securing second opinions, assembling care teams, or researching and selecting medical facilities.

Lifestyle & Wellness Advocates

Another Independent Patient Advocacy specialty is Lifestyle and Wellness. These professionals are focused on keeping patients healthy and out of the hospital by fostering preventive and healthy lifestyle choices through education and coaching. Lifestyle and Wellness Advocates are passionate about helping patients rebuild strength and restore self-esteem after a hospitalization, medical procedure, or course of therapy. Some Lifestyle and Wellness Advocates have backgrounds and training in functional medicine concepts and can introduce alternative, integrative, or holistic treatments.

Insurance & Billing Advocates

Independent Patient Advocates also play a crucial role in helping challenge surprise bills, eliminate excessive charges, and resolve out-of-network disputes. Insurance and Billing Advocates understand that one of the most frustrating and worrisome aspects of any hospitalization or medical procedure is not knowing what’s covered by insurance. Advocates who specialize in Insurance and Billing have firsthand knowledge about Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, employee health plans, and other programs like Social Security and Veterans Benefits.

Insurance and Billing Advocates are on top of the rapid changes in our healthcare payment system, meaning they can ensure that patients are getting the most out of their coverage. Insurance and Billing advocates can often eliminate or reduce excessive charges, negotiate for smaller payments, or help patients qualify for financial assistance. Many Insurance and Billing Advocates can even help patients figure out what type of health insurance to get, and when to get it.

Special Care & Aging Advocates

When it comes to personalized support for the elderly and patients with special needs, Health Care Advocates who focus on Special Care & Aging, include geriatric and elder care professionals who know the ins and outs of independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. This means they can assist with coordination between patients, families, caregivers, and medical staff.

Independent Patient and Health Care Advocates who specialize in Special Care and Aging have the background and training to help evaluate daily needs, develop care plans, address safety concerns, and explore living arrangements for patients with long-term medical conditions, disabilities, and special needs. Many Independent Patient Advocates who specialize in Special Care and Aging are adept at organizing household affairs and facilitating patient participation in physical, social, cultural, and educational activities that can help to improve the overall quality of life for patients with special care needs.

Patients and loved ones struggling with life-changing health conditions such as cancer, limb loss, rare disease, and PTSD can benefit from Survivor Support Advocates who understand exactly what they are going through. These caring professionals share their experiences and perspectives to provide knowledge, emotional assistance, practical help, and social interaction that is beyond the capacity of the health system.

Survivor Support Advocates

Survivor Support Advocacy is another important specialty within the field of Independent Patient Advocacy. Survivors have firsthand experience living with disabilities, rare or chronic diseases, genetic disorders, and traumatic injuries. They provide a necessary outlet for patients to express anxiety and fear without judgment, and they can recognize and celebrate milestones and accomplishments only a survivor can appreciate.

In fact, most patients who have experienced a life-changing injury or diagnosis know that friends and family can provide much-needed encouragement and support when the trauma is fresh. But, when the dust settles and reality sets in, the real challenges begin. Survivor Support Advocates can have an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of patients and families struggling to accept or adapt to the individual challenges that linger long after the course of treatment is finished.

Are you a Chronic Condition Survivor, Interested in Becoming A Survivor Support Advocate?

Don't miss our extensive blog content, including a brief video and a thorough checklist, to help you understand what Survivor Support Advocacy looks like and how patients like you have made the transition from Survivor to Supporter.

In Summary

Now that you are familiar with the benefits of hiring an Independent Patient Advocate, reaching out for help should be an easy decision – especially if you are unable to arrange a home doctor visit.