Greater National Advocates Blog

EditorsNote: Alan Feren M.D. FACS  is a1970 Graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine with more than 50 years of experience as a practicing physician and surgeon, medical treatment guidelines author, medical director, chief medical...

Originally published by A+J Patient AdvocacyAs the bottom line continues its stronghold on the U.S. healthcare system, more and more patients are choosing to work with independent health advocates.It has become increasingly clear in recent years...

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 covers some safety...

Trying to navigate and assist an aging parent can be an overwhelming task. Aside from trying to manage your busy lifestyle, you also are trying to adapt to the changes that your parents are experiencing both physically as well as emotionally. As a...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...