The business of aging grows more complex

A recent article in the New York Times shed light on the new role so-called patient advocates are playing in the lives of the elderly, reports the Association of Mature American Citizens.

Columnist  Constance Gustke wrote that “patient advocates are springing up to handle everything from finding doctors for hard-to-diagnose diseases to negotiating medical payments with hospitals and doctors and pressing insurance companies to cover claims.”

Gustke says that patient advocates even have their own professional support organization, the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, that was founded seven years ago and which has more than 650 throughout the U.S. and Canada.  But be sure to vet someone claiming to be a patient advocate carefully before hiring him or her.  “There is no certification, and anyone can qualify.”

Get references and check them out thoroughly before coughing up $100 to $450 per hour for their help.