In her 2024 Shoreline inaugural article, Council on Successful Aging (COA) Chair Cindy Schersching challenged us to “Talk to Me” about the issues that matter most. We responded by countering with the above title to this article.

On Thursday, February 15, our council hosted a forum at the Pine Knoll Shores town hall that challenged us to review our personal healthcare decisions. To help us sift through the myriad of choices we have to make, we engaged a pioneer in the field of patient advocacy, Certified Patient Advocate Marilyn Whitley, MSN, RN to direct the conversation.

This discussion begins by asking ourselves several questions:

• What health problems do I have (diabetes, high blood pressure, lung problems, arthritis, or something else), and to what stage has the disease progressed?
• How am I being medically treated for these conditions at this time (medication, physical or occupational therapy, or some other approach)?
• How am I responding to the treatment prescribed? Do I feel any better, and, if not, how do I communicate this information and ask the right questions of my healthcare provider to achieve the best relief for me?

Enter the patient advocate.

This individual can be a family member, friend or anyone who can “plead on behalf of another” (Webster’s II New College Dictionary).

The important point is to choose someone with whom you can comfortably and honestly discuss these issues.

The goal of the exchange is for you to make decisions regarding your plan of care based on your needs and preferences. Once decisions are made, your plan must be communicated to all of those involved.

Ms. Whitley outlined the various steps that a patient advocate can take to help you understand your health issues and prepare the necessary questions to help you make informed healthcare decisions. The patient advocate plays a critical role in:

• Communications with your healthcare team (e.g., interpreting medical terminology related to your treatment);
• Using the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to perform such activities as scheduling appointments, reviewing tests completed and developing questions to guide you in understanding test results as well as medications or treatments that may be prescribed; and
• Helping you enroll in medical insurance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and supplemental insurance plans that best meet your financial situation—as well as how to appeal a denial of service.

Perhaps even more important than being an interface with complicated healthcare and insurance agencies, a patient advocate addresses the many personal and emotional barriers that you can face in managing your healthcare needs at a time when you may be the most vulnerable.

These may include your own physical illness or physical limitations, family or friends unable or unwilling to assist in your care coordination, transportation limitations, or other stressful situations within your personal life impeding your ability to stay healthy.

A patient advocate is a valuable resource that you can involve as much as or as little as you need for your situation.

They are a second pair of eyes and ears working on your behalf.

There are several avenues available to seek out the support of a certified patient advocate, including, but not limited to, an internet search, word of mouth from a trusted source, or consultation with your primary care provider or hospital discharge planner.

Once you have completed your search, be sure to gather together any documentation concerning your health issues to provide to the patient advocate in your initial consultation.

This will assist in developing your contract and a Plan of Action tailored to your individual needs.

Your Pine Knoll Shores Council on Successful Aging will continue to identify topics and resources to connect you, our residents, with solutions to aging gracefully in place. We invite you to share your experiences.

Note: A certified patient advocate is an individual who has a commitment to patient and healthcare advocacy and has achieved a professional certification through the Patient Advocate Certification Board.