Why Are So Many Complex Medical Patients Ignored?
I founded Purity Patient Advocates LLC in 2021 after experiencing first hand, the fears and frustrations of having a complex, invisible, mystery illness. My expertise is helping clients find resolution who are suffering from chronic, complex...
The Power of RN Independent Patient Advocates
In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of Registered Nurse (RN) Independent Patient Advocates has emerged as a critical component in improving patient outcomes. With the ever-increasing complexities in the healthcare system...
MERCEREAU REPORT Vol. 7 – Danger of Artificial Sweeteners, Probiotics, Prebiotics and Fecal-Microbiome
This is the seventh in a series of blogs written by Karen Mercereau, RN, iRNPA. The goal of the Mercereau Report is to communicate information that is pertinent to our expanding practices. This edition of the Mercereau Report explores the dangers...
How to Successfully Leave Nursing
Deciding to step away from nursing isn't just a significant career shift but a huge personal step. It's all about figuring things out carefully and making sure you've got the right kind of support around you to move forward. The skills you've...
Is a Private Patient Advocate Worth the Cost?
Yes… While we can probably agree that our health is important! However, we also have to be considerate of the costs. We need money for necessities for food, clothing, housing, etc. In addition, many of us already have accrued healthcare costs...
How to Find the Right Second Medical Opinion
The Importance of a second opinion Deciding to get a second opinion is a difficult choice in itself. Many times patients are hesitant to ask for a second opinion because they feel that their current doctor or other healthcare provider will think...
Health Insurance Price Transparency: What's The Status?
My long time wish of fee-schedule transparency has mostly come true. Fee Schedules are the actual cost of services when using insurance- it is the price agreed upon between a provider (doctor, hospital, office) and insurance companies. For example...
Patient Advocacy – A Voice For The Voiceless
By Maria Vigodsky, M.Ed, BCPA, CRC, BCP, Independent Patient Advocate I had the privilege of serving as an advocate for a religious clergy member who was hospitalized for COVID in 2021. He went from perfectly healthy one day to a medical crisis...
Meet An Independent Health Advocate Who Used Her Skills to Advocate On the State and National Level
In Issue 4 we meet Mary Daniel, Independent Patient Advocate from Jacksonville Fl. Mary shares how she used her skills and creativity to advocate for her husband and others who were in nursing homes, during COVID and could not have visitors. Her...
What To Do When Cancer Treatment Is Not Working?
Cancer stinks. That’s something that we can all agree on. Cancer is unexpected bad news that no one wants to hear. Oftentimes a treatment plan is started immediately, due to the potential quick disease progression. So what happens when cancer...
How Healthcare Advocates Can Prevent Unsafe Discharges
By Janet Beesting Nelson, RN, BSN, BCPA, Healthcare Advocate from Ormond Beach Florida. Failed discharges happen all too often. Hospitals are busy places, and case managers and discharge planners are pressured by administration to move patients...
Patient Advocacy – A Voice for the Voiceless by Maria Vigodsky, M.Ed, BCPA, CRC, BCP Independent Patient Advocate
I had the privilege of serving as an advocate for a religious clergy member who was hospitalized for COVID in 2021. He went from perfectly healthy one day to a medical crisis the next. Having difficulty breathing, the patient went to the hospital...
Everyone Needs An Advocate When They Enter the Healthcare System
By Anne Llewellyn, MS, BHSA, RN, CCM, CRRN, CMGT-BC, BCPA, FCM. Follow Anne's weekly blog, Nurse Advocate, where she shares stories and events that help people be better prepared when they enter the healthcare system. You can find Anne at www...
Self-Pay vs. Insurance
Many of us idolize health insurance as a cost-saving tool. When we go to the doctor, we pull out the little card used to save money while getting services. Sometimes, we are shocked at the medical bill we receive weeks later. Why is the cost so...
Your Health, Your Voice: Tips on Becoming an Advocate for Yourself and Loved Ones
Guest Blog: This blog was written and submitted by Courtney Rosenfeld, the creator of gigspark . Rosenfeld is a writer who covers topics that explore Lifestyle, mental health, and the gig economy, and other related topics. As an adult, it can be...