Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates
In This Issue
Two Year Deal Signed
Long Selected as Columnist
How To Get A Second Opinion
 
  What's New at Guardian Nurses

Two Year Deal Signed With Labor Coalition

DVHCC logo


The Delaware Valley Health Care Coalition approved a two-year contract making Guardian Nurses its "preferred vendor" for healthcare advocacy services on Feb. 6, 2009.  The DVHCC, led by its president, Jim Buckley, is the largest labor only  coalition in the country with close to 200 funds as members.  Founded in 1995, the DVHCC was created for the purpose of providing quality products at significant market discounts. 
Long Selected as Columnist
EBN logo
After submitting an audition article to the editor-in-chief at Employee Benefit News, Betty Long was selected this month by a panel of editors as a new columnist for the monthly national publication.  Long's column, entitled Lighting Patients' Way, will debut in the May issue.  It will draw from her unique nursing experience to inform EBN's readers about how their benefits' decisions and other industry news and trends (ie, health care reform) will affect employees and their families.   
Lighter Notes
Save the Date:
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, February 26, 2009 - May 17, 2009, Cézanne and Beyond, featuring paintings and drawings by Paul Cézanne and works by artists for whom Cézanne has been a central inspiration.

Check out the Museum of Art's website for ticket info.
The Flame
Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Flame, Guardian Nurses' new monthly e-newsletter.  Besides offering helpful tips and suggestions about maneuvering through the healthcare system, we will share news about the Guardian Nurses' organization and team.  And just to keep things 'light,' we'll also include an occasional "Lighter Note."  Enjoy! And feel free to let us know what you think!

How To Get A Second Opinion

Even though doctors get similar medical training, they can have their own opinions and thoughts about how to practice. Some take a more conservative approach to treating their patients while others take a more aggressive approach, using the newest tests and therapies.

Getting a second opinion from a different doctor might give you a fresh perspective and new information. It could also provide you with new options for treating your condition. You can then make more informed choices.  And that's critically important to your treatment.

Many patients often want to get a second opinion, but don't know how to go about it.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS:

1. Ask someone you trust for a recommendation.
If you don't feel comfortable asking your doctor, then call someone else you trust. And don't worry about hurting your doctor's feelings.  You can also call university teaching hospitals and medical societies in your area for the names of doctors.  You can also research doctors on the web.
2.  Check with your health insurance provider.
Just to be sure...call your health insurance company before you get a second opinion just to confirm that they will pay for this office visit.  Most health insurance providers do.  Ask if there are any special procedures you or your primary care doctor need to follow to make sure the second opinion is covered.
3.  Ask to have medical records sent to the second doctor.
Ask you primary doctor to send your records to the new doctor. You should also ask for a copy of your own records for your files.  You are entitled to have them.
4.  Learn as much as you can.
Ask your doctor for more information. Go to a local library. Search the internet. Find a teaching hospital or university that has medical libraries open to the public. The information you find may be hard to understand, or just confusing. Make a list of your questions, and bring the questions with you to the visit with the second doctor.
5.  Do not rely on the internet or a phone conversation.
When you get a second opinion, you need to be seen by a doctor. You will be given a physical exam and perhaps other tests. The second doctor will also review your medical records, ask you questions, and address your concerns.

We hope that the information about getting a second opinion will be helpful to you as you navigate your way through the  health care system. 

If you're interested in finding out how our unique, personal, patient advocacy services can help you, I invite you to email me or give me a call.  My cell is 215-694-1574.

 
Warmly,
Betty Long
Betty Long, RN, MHA
President and Founder
Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates

Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates
PO Box 224, Flourtown, PA 19031 
215.836.0260

888-836-0260
Visit our website www.guardiannurses.com 
email
feedback@guardiannurses.com