DE GRUY & ASSOCIATES LAUNCHES THE PATIENT ADVOCACY EXCHANGE
(September 24, 2012) ->> Statistics show that 9 out of 10 hospital/medical bills are incorrect in excess on the average of $1,300, patients are in some cases paying more than their share. And meanwhile, patients are falling out of their beds and battling bedsores or physical abuse or records are not always accurate and traceable. At home, some find it difficult to keep up with their treatments, take their medication properly, and lose track of doctor’s appointments. And patients in nursing homes aren’t being monitored by their families.

As an answer to these problems, De Gruy & Associates is announcing the birth of its newest project: De Gruy & Associates Patient Advocacy Exchange. Their slogan “Exchange your problem for the right solution” says it all. De Gruy & Associates aims to set itself apart from other patient advocacy businesses by providing a first-rate health care experience with the aid of highly qualified experts who collectively have over 100 years of practice in their field.
De Gruy & Associates Patient Advocacy Exchange was birthed to be a beacon in the community and advocate for patients and their families who have lost their voice or are unable to effectively use it. There are a variety of services that our patient advocates can provide, including ensuring that the patient follows the appropriate care plan and is compliant with the physician’s orders, attending care plan conferences in nursing facilities on behalf of the patient/family, coordinating care with the patient’s physician, researching the patient’s condition and educating the patient, family and caregivers.
To go one step further our advocates can:
• Provide the patient/family with a comprehensive home safety assessment that comes accompanied with a written report of recommendations;
• Visit the patient in the convalescent home in the absence of the family;
• Assess a nursing home prior to the placement of a loved one;
• Coordinate placement;
• Assist in applying for community resources;
• Be a standin for long distance caregivers in making sure their loved one’s rights are being respected;
• Review medical records and medical bills; appeal any overcharges and recoup monies due
• Help with a patient's claims;
• Make sure billing departments are filing properly and that insurance processors are paying correctly;
• And interview potential caregivers being hired by the patient or provide limited caregiver training.
The array of services are endless and tailored to meet the needs of the patient and the family, who all will be serviced by registered nurses, social workers, medical billers/coders, chart reviewers, medical record reviewers and quality improvement specialists..
Our focus is to be negotiators between the patient and the health care providers. We want to bring resolution to their problems and empower the patient and the family throughout the process.
The kickoff of the new advocacy division will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 29 at the Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church, 4126 South Arlington Ave., Los Angeles, California 90008. Come and meet the team that is committed to serving the community and long distance caregivers nationwide.
Contact Dr. Sheila A. De Gruy for more information on these and other services at (213) 590-7005.