Healthy World, Healthy Nation, Healthy You

Making the Most of Your Visit to Your Primary Care Provider

Betty Long, RN, MHA,
President and Founder of Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates,
Bala Cynwyd, PA

Background:

BettyGuardian Nurses provides advocacy services for clients, both private and corporate, all over the United States. The driving mission for its nurse advocates is simple: to act as representatives and advocate for their patients. And since nurse advocates work independently of hospitals, doctors, insurance companies and government agencies, they can be a strong voice for patients in all areas of the healthcare system. Nurse advocates understand healthcare issues from the viewpoint of caring for the patient and of the medical professionals trying to provide care.

Betty began her career in 1986 as a critical care nurse and after getting her masters’ degree in healthcare administration, went on to leadership positions in hospital administration and healthcare consulting. In addition to her hospital career, Long has management experience in long-term care and in working with the out-patient senior population. As a nurse, she has always been the one friends and family call when they wanted suggestions or advice about their healthcare. She credits her passion for helping people get the best care and the best service as the driving force behind the growth and success of Guardian Nurses.

Nationally, Long’s advocacy work has been featured on The Doctor Oz Show and National Public Radio’s Marketplace and Marketplace Money shows. Guardian Nurses’ success has also been featured in the Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Business Journal, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe,and the New England Healthcare Journal. In September 2009, Long’s work with a client was featured in a New York Times Business Section article entitled, “After a Diagnosis, Someone to Help Point the Way.” In November 2008, Long was honored in New York by TAG Heuer North America and Glamour Magazine for making a difference in her community. The “What Are You Made Of” Award was presented by TAG spokesperson Uma Thurman in conjunction with Glamour’s Women of the Year Gala at Carnegie Hall. In December 2011, Long was named by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of their 2011 Women of Distinction. Long is a content expert on Sharecare.com, an interactive social QA platform for healthcare founded by Dr. Oz as well as a contributing editor for Employee Benefit News, a monthly national magazine for employee benefits professionals. She is on the Advisory Board of the Professional Patient Advocacy Institute. She writes a blog, “Guarding Your Health” and also speaks regularly to healthcare professionals, insurance industry and human resources’ leaders.

Overview:

Primary care is essential to your health and wellness. Often it can be a confusing encounter as so many issues and details need to be covered in a short period of time. Having an advocate with you for any complex healthcare situation can lead to a better outcomes as there is a professional who is with you and keeping track of all you need to ask, need to do in follow-up and other planning that may be involved. A nurse advocate covers all the issues with  you and your family. This program walks through such visits and illustrates the value of having a nurse advocate at your side.

3 Key Points:

  1. Expect SERVICE from your physician’s office
  2. You are an equal partner in the primary care relationship.
  3. Make sure you get a clear action plan/ game plan before you leave the appointment.

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