Patient Advocacy SUSAN MCPHAILTAYLOR, RN Patient Advocates of Central Florida You receive contradictory diagnoses. A family member suffers a debilitating illness and you must make immediate, life-altering decisions. You’re facing a hospital stay–alone. Medical ������������ ������������������ ������ ���������� �������� ������������������������ ���������� ������ us have little idea how to navigate the rapidly changing healthcare industry. We don’t know our options. The result is we gravitate to the �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Several years ago, Susan McPhail-Taylor found herself having to navigate the healthcare system in a deeply personal way. “You must advocate for yourself and those you love,” she says, “and you cannot do that effectively without understanding.” Because of her wide background in all aspects of healthcare: direct care with patients, teaching in nursing programs, running a hospice, and dealing with the operational aspects of hospital administration, she was fortunate to serve as a healthcare advocate for those she loved. But do we also have someone with that kind of background to turn to for advice? Yes, we do. Susan’s concern for people prompted her to start RN Patient Advocates of Central Florida. As an independent patient advocate, she uses her extensive background in healthcare to teach and empower individuals and fami- ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ and competent in making their own healthcare decisions. MHA, BSN, RN An advocate is not just for doctor visits or hospital stays. An advocate can also help doctors educate you about your condition. Choosing to use an advocate, especially one as experienced and regarded as Susan, allows you to engage in your own healthcare plans. Susan can research conditions and suggested treatments and prepare you to ask relevant questions of healthcare providers. She can ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������- nials, manage and possibly reduce medical bills. She can coordinate with short-term and long-term care facilities and if needed, even accompany you on medical appointments or be with you during hospital stays. ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� improved with a nurse as your counselor and advocate. And now, you have one, RN Patient Advocates of Central Florida, who can navigate the landscape and help you chart your path to optimal health. RN Patient Advocates of Central Florida 331 West Central Avenue, #224, Winter Haven By appointment 863.594.7551 ANurseByYourSide.com PolkDocTalk.com 53
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