Yes, yes — I know it’s been awhile.  My apologies for taking so long to get this patient advocacy puppy launched!

Work on AdvoConnection got waylaid when I began working as the About.com Guide to Patient Empowerment.  It’s incredibly gratifying — and it’s a lot of work. That has allowed me to build my readership, but has slowed down other projects.

Many of you have asked me about becoming a patient advocate.  For you I have written an overview.  If there is missing information, or if you have questions I have not answered, please feel free to get in touch with me by email.

If you’d like to be notified of updates to this AdvoConnection site, please do so by adding your email address to my list.

AdvoConnection’s website launch for advocates only will be ready for viewing before September 1.  The projected launch for patients will be October 1, 2007.

Here is the description of the site:

This site provides access to patient advocates, case managers, care givers, elder care, home health and other forms of patient assistants who may be able to help patients and their loved ones manage their health care challenges. 
There is no cost to patients or loved ones to access the names and contact information for the people and organizations listed at AdvoConnection.com. 

Advocates:  If you would like to be invited to view the site and review options for being listed, please contact Trisha at  notify(at)advoconnection.com.

You are under no obligation.  We are looking for suggestions, comments, and if you are interested in being listed, those arrangements will be made, if possible.

Not everyone who wants to be listed will be allowed to do so.  References are required and will be checked.

This is a great way to let patients know how you can help them. 

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AdvoConnection.com 
Linking Patients to Excellence in HealthCare Assistance

As Every Patient’s Advocate, the most frequent request I hear is to try to make a connection between a patient, or the loved one of a patient, and someone who can help navigate medical care on behalf of that patient. 

Here is a list of the kinds of services they request:

Preparation for the doctor’s appointment

Accompaniment to doctor’s appointments, tests and procedures

Medical research to learn more about diagnoses and treatment options

Translating medical language (medspeak) 

Navigating HIPAA laws and privacy matters

Insurance choices, filings, negotiations

Elder care / geriatric care

Home health services

Organization / administration / paperwork

This blog will discuss the status and options of patient advocacy.

The website:  www.AdvoConnection.com  will be launched by Fall 2007.

If you would like to be updated on the launch of AdvoConnection.com, please link here.