Read more
Take control of your health once and for all Patient Advocacy For Dummies is an easy-to-follow guide for people doing their best to manage their own health care - or a loved one's - in the face of medical challenges. You'll learn how to weigh treatment decisions, ask constructive questions, and speak up for yourself when necessary. This book walks you through your options and shows you exactly how to ask the right questions and advocate for yourself and your loved ones, with confidence.
Patient Advocacy For Dummies empowers you to partner with your healthcare providers and achieve the best possible results.
Inside... - Help an ill loved one
- Make informed health decisions
- Ask effective questions
- Understand treatment options
- Advocate for yourself
- Get the medical answers you need
- Take control of your health
- Prevent medical errors
List of contents
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Patient Advocacy 5 Chapter 1: Finding Your Compass Through the Healthcare Maze 7
Chapter 2: Decoding Medical Terminology and Records 15
Chapter 3: Unraveling the Knots of Health Insurance 25
Chapter 4: Keeping the Power in Your Hands with Informed Consent 49
Part 2: Mastering Communication with Healthcare Professionals 65 Chapter 5: Cultivating Mutually Respectful Relationships with Your Care Team 67
Chapter 6: Guiding Your Healthcare Conversations 87
Part 3: Embracing Your Role as Your Health's Best Advocate 97 Chapter 7: Self-Advocacy Techniques to Champion Your Health 99
Chapter 8: Empowering Self-Advocacy Through Knowledge 117
Chapter 9: Gauging the Impact of Your Self-Advocacy 125
Chapter 10: Assembling Your Healthcare Allies 137
Part 4: Confronting Healthcare Headwinds 165 Chapter 11: Navigating Misdiagnoses and Getting Second Opinions 167
Chapter 12: Resolving Insurance Challenges 183
Chapter 13: Navigating Chronic Conditions and Long-Term Care 193
Chapter 14: Protecting Yourself Against Harm 211
Part 5: Tackling Specialized Patient Advocacy 221 Chapter 15: Learning to Champion Your Child's Health 223
Chapter 16: Managing Compassionate Care for Aging Loved Ones 243
Chapter 17: Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Advocacy 249
Chapter 18: Navigating End-of-Life Care 255
Part 6: The Part of Tens 261 Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Get Professional Support 263
Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Advocate for Health and Wellness in Your Community 271
Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Share Your Health Journey with Others 279
Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Celebrate Your Healthcare Wins and Milestones 285
Appendix A: Using Technology to Stay Organized 289
Appendix B: Accessing Online Support Communities 297
Index 309
About the author
Nichole Davis, DHA, MPH, BCPA is a patient advocacy champion and the founder of Wayfinder Patient Advocates. Her organization offers clients the education, tools, resources, and support they need to regain their power as patients, find their voice in health conversations, and navigate the healthcare systems efficiently.
