Navigating the Health Care
System
Brenda Wilson, LCSW, CEAP
Geriatric Care Manager
UVA Faculty and Employee
Assistance Program
Its all about:
Speed,
Communication &
Expectations
The Facts in Outpatient:
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Physicians & Nurses are stretched
VERY thin
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Don’t assume anything
Be thankful they check and recheck
Speak up
Inpatient Facts:
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Physicians & staff are stretched VERY
thin
Hospitals make money when
inpatients turn over rapidly
Average LOS is 5-7 days for >65
Discharge planning starts at or before
admission
What are reasonable expectations?
Long Term Care Facts:

Continuum of LTC options
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Age in place – services at home
Senior/Independent Living
Assisted Living
Dementia Care
Nursing Facility
Skilled Nursing Facility
Long Term Care Facts Cont:
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Medicare doesn’t pay much for LTC
SNF days are normal
Assisted Living is private pay
Long Term Care Insurance should be
considered
Communication Strategies
with Health Care Providers
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Be focused – what are the 1-2 main
issues to cover today
Be concise – don’t wander
Make notes & take notes
Be assertive
Be proactive
What is?
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15 – 19 minutes
15 – 20 minutes
23 seconds
Ask Me 3
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1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do
this?
www.npsf.org/askme3
Medical Information Mgmt
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HIPAA – Right to privacy
Managing your medical information:
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Getting copies
Release of Information/Signed Consent
Medication & Allergy List
Important Resources:
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Outpatient nurse
Inpatient Discharge Planner/Social
Worker
Geriatrician
Physical & Occupational Therapists
Pharmacist
In Summary
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Advocate for yourself
Ask questions
Try to understand the system and who
your point people are.