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Patient Advocates

JanJ
0 Recommendations

A former colleague of mine at a newspaper in Atlanta just sent to me an article she wrote about patient advocates, a group that helps patients fight the financial battle that comes with illness, whether it's a hospital trying to charge you something you shouldn't pay, or over-charging, or whether it's a doctor's bill (like I've had) charging me twice for the same thing. Anyway, here's the link to her story. More people need to see that there IS help out there.

http://likethedew.com/2009/05/19/patient-advocates-check-the-fine-print/
Jan

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Cancer Surgery Ovarian cancer

7 replies

momanderson920

There is a lady in our area whose job is to do that as well. It is a wonderful service. Elsie, I think her name is, is a cancer survivor herself and experienced financial difficulties with her cancer and that is what got her interested in pursuing her job.

mathwhiz

hi momanderson920,
can you provide me the contact information for Elsie? my mother doesn't have insurance, and I'm going to be helping her pay her way through chemo, surgery etc, so I would appreciate any help I can get.

momanderson920

Does she live in Chesapeake, Virginia? I think she only serves this area. I can certainly find out. I will have to relocate the phone no. since it has been over a year since I spoke to her. I am leaving in an hour for a trip to SC but will try and get back to you while I am gone. If I don't have time, I will definitely get back to you next week. Where does your mom live?

Laurel-J

Thanks for including the link to the article. I'm the patient advocate to the Gyn. Committee for the Southwest Oncology Group, a nationwide group of researchers and oncologists. Often when new protocols are proposed, there is always concern who will cover the cost of the trial. I've a survivor of Stage III-C ovarian cancer and know full well the difficulties dealing with insurance companies. I'm in AZ, so if I can help, don't hesitate to ask!

Laurel

JanJ

Laurel,

Thanks so much for writing! I wish you were in the Southeast!
Take care,
Jan

Laurel-J

Hi Jan!
I'm not sure location makes that much difference in being an advocate. I worked with physicians from across the nation for Medicare to cover PET scans. It was a lengthy process but now those on disability and those receiving Medicare can have scans covered if indicated. The SW Oncology Group is nationwide, from Seattle to the east coast. We have a Group conference in the fall and spring with the Gyn. Committee meeting being well attended. I always think each of us is an advocate for others and ourselves.
Thanks for your response,
Laurel

kathy6

Many cancer centers (and hospitals) have patient advocates. Call and ask. It's amazing how much they can help!!

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OCNA: The Dr. Oz show will be doing a segment on ovarian cancer featuring our very own Dr. Barbara Goff. Show scheduled to air Wed., Nov. 11th.

OCNA: @chargergirlnat Thanks for the retweets!

OCNA: Our e-newsletter just went out yesterday! Are you on the mailing list? Sign up today. http://capwiz.com/ovarian/mlm/signup/

OCNA: We will be out at the GCF race this Sunday in DC. Visit our booth! For more detials & how to join team teal visit http://tinyurl.com/yl2m93q

OCNA: Two-time cancer survivor (The Commercial Appeal) ... http://bit.ly/3EiicZ

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