HealthAdvocate has been around for decades, but their model isn’t one we (APHA) would ever recommend, and as Cheryl says above – isn’t necessarily helpful to employees.

They only contract with businesses that have thousands of employees. Their model is to charge very little per employee (like – $1 per month) – and they bank on the odds that only…[Read more]

There are several ‘corporate advocacy companies’ out there. Here is a few who I am aware

Health Advocate:
Pinnacle
Accolade
Quantum
Patient Advocate Foundation (non profit) who helps people for free

Pinnacle was at ICOPA in 2019. These are companies for people who might want to be an advocate but can’t afford or make it on their own.

They…[Read more]

My answers for tasks #1 and #2 from skills and entrepreneurial lists:

Strengths:

Knowledge of healthcare system
Knowledge of how clinics and hospitals function
Billing, claims and understanding insurance
Navigation
Networking and marketing
Empathy, trustworthy, patient, people person, good listener
Problem solving and able to tap into…[Read more]

Thanks, Cheryl! I had someone else contact me and was surprised I charged for my services? Somehow, my contact info has gotten tangled up with this group–this has never happened before in 7 years! I wasn’t aware of them–so thanks for the explanation!

Eric – good start, but I’m going to ask you to take a second look.

re: your strengths – what you have listed are the needs for a medical profession. So – a reminder to you – something you probably already realize – that as a professional and ethical advocate, you don’t offer medical services. Since we are not a licensed profession, we offer…[Read more]

Strengths
Clinical Skills
Hospital and Clinic Operations
Dealing with difficult people in difficult circumstances
Resourceful
Research

Needs Improvement
HIPPA compliance as it relates to keeping of records and billing
Health Insurance
Basic Proficiency in MS Office
Basic Website building experience
Advocacy Marketing

Thank you!

Hi Lisa, thanks, I will have to check it out! Please send a link to what you found. I will also check out AdvoConnection.
Cheers,
Eric

Thanks, Trisha. Then I can add it to my strengths, at least in the areas I feel most competent. And, I’m aware of the second meaning. Too bad they took it because it’s a great term to describe our services!

Hi Lisa,
I agree with Trisha. I have been able to get up and running with the resources available as a Premium Member. Depending on your start-up budget, it might make sense to purchase forms, etc. I found that regardless of where I obtained the sample form(s), there were tweaks and adjustments that I needed to make in order to fit my business…[Read more]

Hi Gayle!
Great question! I’m interested in hearing experiences from others as well. Mine is limited. We used life alert with my Grandma and it worked GREAT! The only complaint we had was when it would “randomly” alert for assistance. During a visit with her, it “randomly” alerted for assistance. What I noticed was the pendant was hanging at…[Read more]

Excellent assessment, Nancy. Thanks.

A few responses:

First – we will cover 95% of your business gaps in this course. What this course will not cover are advocacy skills and specifics – how to manage relationships between patients and health professionals, or the cultural requirements or needs you’ve mentioned, for example.

And – as to your…[Read more]

Love your photo, Christie – you rock that clean head! 🙂

Thanks for introducting yourself, and please do watch the video from Tuesday’s zoom.

Hope your appointment went well 🙂