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Navigating Medical Care: How to Get Help When You Need It

William Wadzinski | MD

Medically reviewed by William Wadzinski | MD, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences on July 20th, 2024.

Coping with a medical condition involves more than just taking care of yourself at home. You need to be able to schedule and get to medical appointments, work with your doctor, pick up medications, talk to your insurance company, pay medical bills, and more. This can be challenging, especially if you're not feeling well, you're stressed, or you're on your own. Fortunately, there are professionals who can help you navigate the complexities of medical care.

Types of Assistance Available

Before you reach out for help, it's important to understand the different types of professionals available and how much they typically charge for their services.

Home Care Aides and Personal Care Attendants

If you need someone to help you with basic tasks like getting to appointments, running errands, meal preparation, and light housework, a home care aide (also known as a "home companion") may be a good fit. These professionals are registered but not licensed. For more hands-on assistance with things like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom, you'll need a personal care attendant (PCA) or a licensed certified nursing assistant (CNA). These professionals have formal training and are legally allowed to provide physical care.

Aging Life Care Professionals and Patient Advocates

For more comprehensive help navigating the medical system, you may want to consider an Aging Life Care Professional (formerly called a geriatric care manager) or a patient/health care advocate. These experts can assess your needs, solve problems, advocate on your behalf, and provide education. They can help with tasks like attending doctor appointments with you, communicating with your insurance company, ensuring your medical bills are paid, researching treatment options and services, and hiring and managing home care.

Aging Life Care Professionals specialize in working with older adults and are known for developing and coordinating comprehensive care plans. Patient advocates, on the other hand, work with people of all ages and may specialize in specific areas like cancer care, neurological diseases, mental health, insurance issues, or billing.

How Doctors View These Professionals

Doctors see hired support professionals as valuable members of your healthcare team. They can provide clinicians with a more complete picture of your health status and needs, which can lead to better care. The main drawback is the cost, as these services are not typically covered by insurance.

Costs and Coverage

The cost of support services varies widely depending on your location and the extent of assistance needed. On average, home care aides and CNAs charge $27 to $28 per hour, while Aging Life Care Professionals and patient advocates may charge anywhere from $75 to over $300 per hour. Medicare does not cover these costs, but some long-term care insurance plans, veterans benefits, and Health Spending Accounts may help offset expenses.

Tips for Hiring Assistance

  • Ensure the professionals you hire are qualified or certified in their field and belong to relevant professional organizations.

  • Ask about their fees upfront.

  • Don't wait until a crisis to seek help; consider a consultation if you have a challenging health condition.

For more information on finding qualified professionals to help you navigate medical care, visit /wingman.

Remember, you don't have to face the challenges of managing your health alone. With the right support, you can feel more confident and empowered as you navigate the complexities of the medical system.

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