Healthcare System Challenges in 2013 Create Opportunities for Advocates

The healthcare times, they are a-changing!

As we wrap up 2012 and look forward to next year (or perhaps, by the time you read this, it will already be 2013), there are a number of issues and challenges patients – our clients – need to be concerned with.

Take the time to become familiar with these updates and challenges, alerts and warnings; they may create marketing opportunities for you as you alert potential clients that you can solve them as a part of your service.

I’ve written about them here: Some are simply updates to how the system is managed now. Others are warnings. From the changes in the system due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare), to the increasing difficulty patients are having finding primary care, to the shifts in how doctors do business due to the implementation of electronic medical records, to new tricks and wool-over-our-eyes tactics health insurance companies are using to deny coverage for patient care, and finally, the influence of new resources – like technology and yes, patient advocates.

How can you use them?

An example: Understanding the shortage of primary care doctors and teaching people about alternative forms of primary care (why mid-levels may be a good choice, or when to use urgent care centers and when to avoid them – those sorts of things). It’s a topic that makes for an excellent topic when it comes to speaking to groups like seniors, church or synagogue groups, or even your local Rotary or Kiwanis. (See Alert #2)

Another example: Understanding the concept of High Tech, High Touch to help explain why you, an advocate who is there “in the flesh” to help someone conquer the system. (See Alert #5)

So take a look. See if you can formulate a few good ideas of your own. Or at least just be aware of what 2013 and beyond will hold for your clients. After all, it’s that extra step of knowledge that makes you the expert people want to hire to help them with their care, or their loved one’s care.

And please accept my wishes for the happiest and healthiest of New Years to you in 2013!