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Together Patient Advocates Blog

Kim Mcilnay, BCPA

Kim Mcilnay, BCPA
I am the founder of Together Patient Advocates, LLC. I combine my past experiences as a Family Physician with my current experiences as a patient with chronic illness to provide insights into medical care patient advocacy.

Recent Posts

Managing Holiday Stress

[fa icon="calendar'] Dec 10, 2021 7:15:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in mental health, stress

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What You Should Know About Long COVID

[fa icon="calendar'] Sep 10, 2021 4:00:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in Coronavirus

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How to Write an Advance Care Directive & POLST

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 9, 2021 3:00:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in self-advocacy, Planning, advance directive

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In my previous post we reviewed the importance of an advance care directive. Now let’s explore how you can create your own advance care directive, including the use of some helpful websites.  I’ll also tell you about an additional important document – Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustain Treatment, most commonly referred to as a POLST.

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Health Magazine Interview on Patient Advocacy

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 6, 2021 5:00:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in patient advocate

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I'm a bit slow in getting this out, but better late than never. Health Magazine interviewed me a while back, along with several other advocates. I thought they did a great job explaining what a health advocate does and how we can help members of marginalized communities.

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Why You Should Have an Advance Directive

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 11, 2021 5:00:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in Planning, advance directive

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Imagine this scenario: You've lying in a hospital bed on a ventilator (breathing machine). You've just had an unexpected heart attack. Your family is gathered around you. Do they know your wishes? Have you designated someone to make decisions on your behalf?

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Making Informed Health Care Decisions

[fa icon="calendar'] May 14, 2021 5:00:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in self-advocacy, Informed Decisions

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As a patient, your right to make informed health care decisions before receiving treatment or services is called "informed consent." In order for full informed consent to take place, you must completely understand the following (and be able to explain them in your own words, as opposed to just repeating medical jargon):

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Authorizations and Referrals

[fa icon="calendar'] Apr 23, 2021 2:00:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in self-advocacy, Insurance

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We've all been frustrated when referrals or authorizations don't happen as promised. There are fairly simple and straightforward steps you can take to facilitate this process to ensure you get the care you need in the time frame you need it. 

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Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis

[fa icon="calendar'] Apr 9, 2021 6:00:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in New Diagnosis, Dementia

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Are you Concerned about Dementia?

[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 26, 2021 5:00:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in New Diagnosis, confusion, Dementia, Planning

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In this first of a two-part series on dementia, I’ll give you an overview, including what dementia is, other diseases with similar symptoms, and what to expect from your evaluation. Part two will focus on what to do after a diagnosis.

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You’ve Been Diagnosed with Cancer – Now What?

[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 12, 2021 5:30:00 AM / by Kim Mcilnay, BCPA posted in self-advocacy, Cancer

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Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be frightening. It’s hard to know what to do next.

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