Private Patient Advocacy with Dr. Gerda Maissel
Deborah Johnson, M.A.
Founder at DJWorks Media |Speaker for companies & individuals asking “What’s Next?”
Many of us have aging parents or loved ones that need medical care that would benefit from engaging private patient advocacy. Doctors are busier than ever with little time to spend with each patient. This can be frustrating for both patients and for family members who have questions and concerns that are left unanswered. Is there a solution to this with a health care system that is facing a shortage of primary care doctors? On average, most primary care physicians will spend between 15 and 18 minutes with each patient, if they’re lucky, and that can include diagnosis. This is often after waiting up to an hour or even longer for the appointment as doctors are overbooked and running late. What do we do??
This article is based on a conversation with Dr. Gerda Maissel, an MD with an impressive resumé, turned to work in private patient advocacy to help maneuver care for those we care about and also enlighten us on what to look for in care that may even impact our personal care in the future.
The Problem Stated
As budgets continue to tighten for medical workers, staffing shortages become more prevalent, exacerbating the strain of heavy caseloads. In such a high-pressure environment, doctors face the daunting task of analyzing complex medical issues within tight time constraints, often limited to just fifteen minutes per patient encounter. Ensuring accurate communication of diagnoses and treatment plans in medical records becomes crucial, yet doubts may arise regarding the precision of hastily scribbled notes.
Seeking a second opinion from a specialist adds another layer of complexity to the communication process, as patients struggle to convey their medical history and concerns effectively. The challenge intensifies when patients encounter different doctors across appointments, leading to potential confusion and misinterpretation of medical records. Despite the importance of collaboration among specialists, communication breakdowns often persist, leaving patients feeling disconnected and their medical histories fragmented.
Compounding these challenges is the observation by Dr. Maissel that many doctors lack strong social skills, which may translate to incomplete documentation of patients' symptoms and emotions in medical records. Yet, understanding the patient's emotional state is integral to a comprehensive diagnosis, particularly in cases where symptoms may be linked to underlying mental health issues such as depression.
What is a Private Patient Advocate?
An advocate serves as an intermediary, accompanying individuals throughout their medical journey, providing support and guidance along the way. Private patient advocates play a crucial role in educating patients about their diagnosis by sharing up-to-date information and offering recommendations for further inquiries and necessary steps to take.?
Compassion and expertise are essential qualities for an effective advocate, making family members often ideal candidates for the role, driven by a deep sense of empathy and firsthand experience. Dr. Maissel's journey began with her brother's experience, instilling in her a profound compassion that shapes her approach as an advocate. Listening attentively is a cornerstone of advocacy, enabling advocates to perceive subtle nuances and address underlying health issues beyond surface symptoms.
Additionally, effective communication with caregivers and medical professionals is paramount for advocates, bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers. While advocates may have different levels of formal medical training, their understanding of various medical conditions and medication interactions empowers them to navigate complex medical issues and ensure comprehensive care for patients.
Questions You Should Ask
Firstly, it's important to feel comfortable with any private patient advocate you're considering, so don't hesitate to inquire about their motivations for choosing advocacy. While financial compensation may play a role, most advocates are driven by personal fulfillment derived from guiding patients successfully through the healthcare system. Building a rapport with your advocate ensures effective collaboration throughout your health journey.
Preparing a list of questions before doctor's appointments is crucial to ensure all concerns are addressed. Beyond insurance coverage considerations, it's essential to research and ask about various aspects of treatment, medication options, potential side effects, and interactions with current medications. While online resources like "Dr. Google" can provide information, it's wise to prioritize reputable sources and seek guidance from your advocate in navigating this research.
Inquiring about treatment options, medication regimens, and lifestyle adjustments is essential for comprehensive understanding and decision-making. A skilled medical advocate can assist in formulating pertinent questions to elicit the necessary information from healthcare providers, empowering patients to make informed choices about their care.
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Gerda's Advice for Busy Women-and Men
Dr. Gerda's advice to "Buy socks at Costco" offers a pragmatic approach to managing time constraints. When faced with the overwhelming task of laundry and a lack of time for washing and folding, purchasing additional socks can provide a temporary reprieve, offering more freedom and flexibility amidst a busy schedule.
The toll of caregiving on one's health is well-documented, with many caregivers experiencing higher levels of stress and illness compared to those they care for. The weight of making critical decisions and managing life-changing situations can be physically and emotionally draining, contributing to deteriorating health and in severe cases, it can prove fatal. Even if not directly providing care, the burden of making life-altering decisions can be mentally and physically exhausting.?
As members of the "sandwich generation," individuals are often tasked with balancing the demands of caring for both children and aging parents. With increasing life expectancy, this juggling act has become a prevalent challenge. Allowing oneself the simple indulgence of buying extra socks serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care amidst the demands of caregiving responsibilities.
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Our Guest
Dr. Gerda Maissel is a private patient advocate and physician. After years of working clinically and then in health system leadership for some major health organizations, she decided to combine her clinical and business skills to help people struggling to get good care. She translates doctor speak, supports informed decision making and helps clients problem-solve their way through our opaque medical system.
The Host
DEBORAH JOHNSON, M.A. has 25+ years working as an entertainer, composer, producer, author and speaker. Her keynote, "The Hero Inside" stirs audiences to not settle for merely playing as an accompanist to their dreams. Rather, it is to call upon everything they have inside to be soloist & center stage in pursuing & accomplishing their dreams and potential. This can include pursuing a new avenue or expanding on a current area of business, especially at mid-career or the halftime of life. Get more free downloads & links at: DJWorks. Websites: DeborahJohnsonSpeaker.com; GoalsForYourLife.com; DJWorksMusic.com