The healthcare system can be complex to navigate at times. Especially when you are sick, you may benefit from having someone help you navigate that system. This advocate can sometimes be a family member or close friend. But if there is nobody in your life who is up to the task, there are also professional advocates you can hire. Here's a look at some of the more specific ways an advocate can help you and make sure you get the care you need.
Advocates can explain your needs to your practitioners
Does your medical condition make it hard for you to explain yourself? Maybe you have brain fog, so you are worried that you won't be able to explain yourself clearly. Or perhaps you have a condition that physically affects your mouth and makes it hard for you to speak. An advocate can meet with you before your doctor's visits and communicate with you to learn your needs and concerns. They can do this through text if that's easier, or they can take their time and listen to you speak at your own pace. Then they can accompany you to your appointment and speak with the practitioners to communicate your needs clearly.
Advocates can take notes at visits
You may struggle to remember everything your doctors say during visits, especially if you have a serious condition and have been meeting with several practitioners. Yet, this information will be important to reference later when you make decisions about your care. An advocate can take notes during your appointments, and in some cases, they may even be able to record the conversations that happen in your doctor's office. This allows you and your family members to listen back on these conversations later on.
Advocates can advise you as to what direction to head next
At certain points along your treatment path, you might not know what practitioner to see next or where to seek the care you need. An advocate can make recommendations in this regard. For example, they may say "you should see a dermatologist" or "you should follow up with an oncologist about that." Having this advisement can be paramount when you're struggling with complex diagnoses.
If you're exhausted from having to navigate your own healthcare needs, talk to an organization that employs professional advocates. They can set you up with someone who will assist you in all the ways above. Reach out to a local healthcare advocate to learn more.
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