Hospitals are dangerous places. Layoffs have reduced the number of nurses and other staff. Tragic errors occur far too frequently. Rushing doctors and nurses don't always communicate well with patients, and with each other. When you or a loved one is hospitalized with an acute health crisis, you need someone in your corner. Someone who'll put your needs first. Someone who'll make sure your health professionals have the information they need in order to give you the right care. Someone to make sure your medical needs are known, understood, and met.

Do you want someone to talk with you about the health delivery system, to tell you what to expect, what you can ask for, and how to ask for it so you will receive it? Do you want help during your hospital stay; an ally to answer your questions, to ask the right questions on your behalf, and to ensure you get the best care from hospital staff?

Patient AdvoCare provides help and information with:

• Discharge planning including home considerations, medical accommodations, rehabilitation and recovery planning, and nursing home coordination
• Understanding the availability of information about the quality of the facility and or doctor you chose for medical care
  
• Communications, networking and updating
  

Addressing concerns and resolving difficulties with a medical institution and a health delivery system can be difficult for anyone - it's especially difficult in a time of crisis when a loved one is ill. However, you don't need to be overwhelmed or intimidated with the delivery of health care, finding the right person to talk with, understanding choices, and asking the right questions to get the best health care.

Get the best healthcare and the best medical services possible. Remember, you and you're loved one's are entitled to nothing less.

Contact Ken Farbstein of Patient AdvoCare for a free consult on the support and assistance you need during a hospital stay.

New! For advice and stories on protecting family members in the healthcare system, see our new blog http://patientadvocare.blogspot.com/.  Our family members need us to help them get the best possible medical care. When they're ill, we and they need to know how to advocate most effectively, and work best, with doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. In focusing on the needs of family caregivers and their patients, the blog provides advice to keep our parents, children and other loved ones with acute or chronic illnesses healthy and safe from medical errors.

The blog is a place for readers to tell and hear stories about the medical care they have seen and experienced, to give advice and get advice. It helps patients and advocates to be knowledgeable, pro-active, and empowered partners with their doctors and nurses.

Have a story to tell? Frustrated with a health problem? Want advice from a navigator/advocate?
Get tips on protecting your family when they are in the health care system. Tell your story and read other's stories at http://patientadvocare.blogspot.com/