The Nuts and Bolts of Locating and Paying for a Personal Patient Advocate-The “What”, “When”, “Where” and “How” of Procuring Patient Advocacy Services

Linda M. Raileanu, RN, MM/PA, BSN
President/CEO
Genuine Healthcare Resources, LLC

Background:

Linda M Raileanu is President/CEO of Genuine Healthcare Resources, LLC a patient advocacy and corporate health & wellness firm. She is a Registered Nurse with her masters in management / public administration, concentration in health care policy. Linda has over 24 years of diverse health care experience, spanning the hospital setting, managed care, the pharmaceutical industry, long-term care continuum, home health, and alternative medicine. She is also a certified Geriatric Resource Nurse through Penn State.

Linda and her team assist individuals and organizations with navigating through the complexity of the healthcare system from advocating for employees and caregivers to providing corporate wellness programs, especially given the intense changes coming due to the Healthcare Reform legislation, leadership in this area is critical.

She is also School Board Director of the West Chester Area School District.

Overview:

This show will cover

What is a Nurse Advocate? Most have considerable clinical experience and know how to navigate the complexities of the health care system.

What are the range of services provided by a nurse advocate versus others? Most of this is private pay and some will be covered by employers who have contracted with such service providers.

How does one access a nurse advocate? How to locate such services such as checking with your local Chamber of Commerce.

What are the costs of a nurse advocate versus non-healthcare professionals and how to purchase wisely so you get the most value?

Are there licensing or regulatory controls on advocates… and how can consumers beware?

3 Key Points:

1. Nursing was initially built to be patient advocates, and as such Florence Nightingale was the first modern patient advocate & she was an example of services of high touch, consulting, and emphasizing self-help
2. What patients & caregivers should expect from their nurse advocate, unbiased, honest guidance with no conflict of interest at play. Nurse advocates can provide services that non-health care professionals cannot provide because they do not have the background and experience to do so.The agency that employs advocates should be SPHP accredited or at least pending accreditation.
3. Cost for your advocate should match their education, experience, and expertise. Costs range from $125.00-175.00/hr.