Madison-area advocates guide patients through complex health care system

An article by David Wahlberg of the Wisconsin State Journal

Patient Care Partners - Patient Advocacy Experts

Patient Care Partners was interviewed by David Wahlberg of the Wisconsin State Journal on his piece about Patient Advocates.

Carol Wittenberg (Patient Care Partners Patient Advocate) and Debby Deutsch (Patient Care Partners Owner and Patient Advocate) were contributors to the article.

Carol Wittenberg Advocates for a Patient with a Breathing Disorder

Carol Wittenberg, a Patient Care Partners Patient Advocate, helped a 78 year old retired accountant, Mariana, negotiate the complexities of the healthcare system. The patient was struggling with obtaining needed medical equipment. Mariana was told she'd have to wait at least, a month.

Carol stepped in and assisted in securing the equipment quickly. With Carol Wittenberg’s support, the patient has been able to remain in her home. It has also provided relief to the patient's daughter - who lived in London and was trying to help her mother remotely.

Debby Deutsch Discusses the Importance of Patient Advocates

Debby Deutsch, founder and principal advocate at Patient Care Partners, said hiring a Patient Advocate is similar to hiring an accountant for tax preparation.

“It’s taking on these problems that are very overwhelming and can be very complex,” said Deutsch, who started her business in 2016. “We are working solely for the people who hire us. We have no allegiance to a health care system, an insurance company, a community support or a federal or state program.”

Debby Deutsch Helps Son Manage His Parents' Healthcare

Guyot, 45, a father of two young children, and his sister Samira, who lived in Detroit until recently returning to Madison, hired caregivers for their parents, Richard and Judith, who have early-stage dementia. The adult children tried to manage the paperwork necessary to bill their parents’ long-term care insurance plan.

But juggling the bills and assembling a care team became taxing. With aid from Debby Deutsch, founder and principal Patient Advocate at Patient Care Partners, “the weights are being lifted from me,” Guyot said.

Patient Advocates Are Essential

According to David Wahlberg, Patient Advocates have become an essential and valid part of the healthcare system. As the medical system increases in complexity, the need for personal advocates to navigate the system is increasing as well.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

By Debby Deutsch, BPCA

Patient Care Partners

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Advocates Guiding Patients