| by Jeffrey Weinberg

Loneliness: The Second Epidemic- Jeff Weinberg Featured on KDKA, Pittsburgh

Editor's note: This post contains material from a published piece featuring Jeff Weinberg by Christine Sorenson of KDKA News. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — We know older people are the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. But it’s not just the disease...
| by Dianne Savastano

Moving Forward In the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Over the past two months, I have joined with colleagues from across the country — Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Houston — to create webinars for fellow healthcare advocacy professionals on the impact of COVID-19. One fascinating...
| by Corina Savela

Who Pays For Medicare: The Basics

Many do not understand Medicare, let alone how it is paid for. Most people only know that when they turn 65 or retire from their job, they switch to Medicare and all those taxes they paid during all those years will ensure they receive their...
| by Angie Galatas

The Perfect Storm: Preparing For Covid-19 During Hurricane Season

Summer months bring fun outdoor activities such as picnics, swimming, BBQs, and beaches; it also brings hurricanes. This year’s hurricane season is predicted to be more active than usual. Given the indications that COVID-19 will persist during...
| by Lee Mulert

May Was Mental Health Month

You may know that May was Mental Health Month, which is very apropos because in the United States, and even the world at large, the global pandemic brought on by the Coronavirus has created a mental health crisis which is likely to last well after...
| by Pam Weiss

I Am A Care Manager And This Is What I Do

"She is my eyes, ears, hands, and feet. I am disabled." That is how Joan, a weak but feisty 89-year-old, described my work to a nurse at the assisted living facility (ALF). Joan developed brain cancer after melanoma metastasized. Following rehab...
| by Karen Kopan

CPR and Advance Directives: The Facts

CPR performed in the hospital will lead to a patient’s discharge about 18% of the time. In fact, the American Heart Association says that when talking to patients about CPR, healthcare providers should tell patients that roughly 15%, or 1 in 6...
| by Dianne Savastano

Making the Most of Virtual Physician Appointments

Over the past few months, the world has changed in many ways. No more so than when it comes to accessing the care and advice of the physicians upon whom we depend. Today, nearly all non-essential appointments are occurring virtually, whether...
| by Karen Kopan

When Death is Imminent...

Merriam Webster defines imminent as: ready to take place; happening soon. It’s too bad my patient’s family didn’t understand that. No one told them their 30-year-old family member’s cancer was so far advanced that death was ready to take place...
| by Corina Savela

Medicaid & Medicare Insurance: Know The Options

Medicaid, Medicare and retirees. It can be confusing. Here is information that applies to seniors who qualify for Medicaid: Dual Special Need Plan (DSNP) - this is a type of Medicare Advantage plan for those on Medicaid, it is your typical MA/MAPD...
| by Angie Galatas

COVID-19 Doctor Visits: What To Expect at Your Next Appointment

Returning to your doctor’s office may not be the same since your last visit. Due to a decrease in outpatient visits, some offices are reducing clinic hours and appointment availability. Many medical offices are requiring new procedures before...
| by GNA Admin

Should I Stay or Should I Go: Elderly and At Risk During Covid-19

The current pandemic environment has changed many things about our lives. And for the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions, these changes cannot be ignored. For this population, illness due to COVID-19 can come on rapidly and be...
| by Annette Ticoras

Playing It Safe: Healthcare Visits During the Pandemic

As restrictions are slowly being lifted around the country, individuals are returning to hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices for their routine or non-emergency medical appointments and procedures. While re-entering these environments is often...
| by Karen Mercereau

Collaboration is Key For Patient Advocacy

As the field of private Patient Advocacy has grown, so has the variety of persons delivering advocacy services in the US. The need is so great for healthcare delivery reform and all of us are offering a variety of services to meet this...
| by Antra Boyd

From Patient Advocate To Patient...And Back: Part 2

Editor's note: This is part 2 of the personal journey of an RN Patient Advocate who suddenly became a cancer patient. The advocate identifies misconceptions, addresses her fears, and emphasises the need to take charge of your health through...