Why advocates are importantAs we have seen, covert rationing requires the American healthcare system to systematically isolate and marginalize patients, leaving them exposed to all sorts of bad outcomes. Wise patients will take every opportunity to protect themselves in this healthcare environment. This means doing not only all the things we've just talked about - learning as much as you can about your medical problems, and appropriately managing your physician, your health plan, and your own health - but also finding an appropriate healthcare advocate.
An advocate is a person who works to protect your individual interests in your encounters with the healthcare system.
Obviously, this is the very role that physicians are supposed to fill. However, we've seen why and how doctors (against their will and often fighting all the way) have been systematically stripped of this role. The fact that doctors are often not able to act as their patient's advocate does not lessen the need patients have for advocates.
If practicing doctors can't protect their interests, the wise patient will try to find someone else who can.
Today there are at least two sources for patients seeking healthcare advocates - knowledgeable friends or family members , and retainer or "concierge" physicians - and a third source that seems likely to become more common over time - personal healthcare advocates (PHCAs).
We will consider each of these three sources from which you may find an advocate. First, let's consider knowledgeable friends or family members. |
