Health Advocate Frisco TX: Health Advocacy Key To Great Health Care
While health advocacy isn’t a new concept, most people have never heard of a health advocate in Frisco TX. A health advocate can either be a clinician, like a doctor or a nurse, or an administrative person working in the medical arena whose job it is help patients navigate the complex and sometimes frightening world of healthcare. Professional patient advocates are especially important if you have a new or serious diagnosis and you’re having difficulty understanding what it means and what your treatment options are. They can explain difficult medical terminology and help you to settle on a treatment plan.
If you are a patient who doesn’t have an acute medical problem like a life-threatening illness, a health advocate in Frisco TX can help you find a doctor or dentist, understand insurance benefits or find a way to work out financial problems related to treatment. Advocates are helpful for patients who are alone and have no support system. They’re also a great help to elderly patients who often don’t ask questions of their doctors and don’t have a way to get more information on their own. Advocates can help with coordinating care at a nursing home and even help with arranging end-of-life plans.
In addition to professional health advocacy, every patient must learn how to become their own health advocate in Frisco TX. That means you must speak up, ask questions and not be afraid to bring up health problems. This is often easier said than done as there is no more vulnerable position to be in than sitting on crunchy paper, under glaring fluorescent lights, wearing a gown that barely covers you. And doctors, frankly, can be intimidating, especially the kind who ask what you’re there for and then spend the rest of their time with you reeling off medical jargon that you don’t understand.
Communication is the key to advocating for yourself. Stop your doctor and ask him questions, even if he seems rushed. Everything you say to him will be more information he can use to give you an accurate diagnosis or effective treatment. Which means you should also be prepared with a list of complaints or concerns that you have about your health. Write down what you want to ask him about and go down the list with him. It takes courage to talk about a concern that may be a symptom of a serious health problem; but remember that no health problem goes away because you ignore it. Telling your doctor about it means an earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.
If you’re looking for a health advocate in Frisco TX, call us at 7 Health at (214) 501-5818. We have developed a revolutionary new choice in health care for North Texans that will allow you to see the same doctor every time you need medical help. You pay a low monthly membership fee and $7 per visit. We are doctors and nurses who want you to understand the care you’re getting and want you to be an active participant in your own health care. Visit us online at www.7health.net to learn more.
Health Advocate Frisco TX
7 Health
9191 Kyser Way, Suite 602
Frisco, Texas 75033
(214) 501-5818
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com/ johnpaulramirez