Welcome Medicare Nation! Today we wrap up our “trilogy” about Care Coordination by talking to Patient Advocate Karyn Rizzo!   Karyn wrote the book - Aging in America - What you need to know about Navigating our Healthcare System   Karyn’s book is available on Amazon. It covers everything from finding a primary care physician, choosing Medicare programs, and also some information for LGBT friendly providers, and safety tips, fall prevention etc. It just covers lots of real life issues that you face, including respite and how to take a break from care giving!   The book came out of the needs Karyn saw in her work everyday! She knew there was so much information she needed to cover, so she created a powerful resource in the book!   Fall prevention tips that Karyn provides in the book:   Eliminate rugs in the bathroom and other rooms of the house Check the types of shoes to make sure they don’t contribute to a fall Falls happen in the middle of the night going to bathroom, so install rails Is walker or cane easily accessible from the bed? Do you have motion sensor lighting? Medications can contribute to falls   Another great resource on fall prevention is mayoclinic,org   Advocacy for Patients is important today because of the following factors:   Healthcare providers don’t have the time to spend with you explaining things Insurance companies have complex coverage rules Healthcare treatment options are more complicated than ever         What a Patient Advocate Does:   Individuals that directly advocate for the patient Neutral parties hired by the family - not employed by hospital or insurance company Evaluate the care plan for the patient Advocate will put together a care plan that meets the patient's needs Works through the process of appealing insurance and hospital decisions They know the system, the lingo, and the rules, so they can use them to the patient’s advantage Knows what programs the patient is eligible for and how to get you on the right program for them Advocate can also help involve other specialty Physicians to evaluate the best treatment plan for the patient Advocates can also help navigate care options for Hospice and understand when it is appropriate and when other options are better for the patient. Hospice does have a Home Health division and it can be confusing between that and end of life Hospice care, so the patient advocate can make sure you are on the appropriate service. Healthcare regulations vary from state to state, so it’s important to get accurate help navigating the system.       Where do you find a Patient Advocate?   Sometimes called a Geriatric Care Manager, Social Service Agencies - There is a national website that provides a directory of caregivers:     CareManager.org CareGiver.org AgingGuidebook1.com - Karyn’s website has TONS of resources     What type of Licensing does a Patient Care Advocate have?   Every state calls the role something different, but there are programs that certify in each state.  Generally, they are nurses or social workers, or have equivalent experience. Licensing or certification is required for this role.     A Geriatric Care Manager is a position that you will have to pay for. Case managers that are paid by Medicare, the hospital or the insurance company will always represent those organization’s interest first, and yours afterward.   It is worth every penny to have someone in the trenches that is representing your best interests!     Online Tools when you are out of state from the patient:     ecarediary.com reunioncare.com   These websites create a circle of care that allows everyone in that circle to have access to all the information and take action on different aspects of the care for the patient from where ever they are in the world.         Got questions about Patient Advocacy?   Karyn could assist in a consultative role if you are not located in FL. She can direct you to resources in your area.     Karyn can be reached:   By Phone: 727-452-1300    By E