---
title: Together Patient Advocates Blog | Hospital
description: Hospital | Topics ranging from how to advocate for yourself to the benefits of patient advocates.
---

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# Together Patient Advocates Blog

[![](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Waiting%20room%20with%20reception%20in%20medical%20clinic.jpeg) ](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/virtual-advocacy-for-surgeries)

## [Virtual Advocacy for Surgeries](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/virtual-advocacy-for-surgeries)

 [fa icon="calendar'] Jan 15, 2021 4:00:00 AM / by [Kim Mcilnay, BCPA](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/author/kim-mcilnay-bcpa) posted in [Hospital](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/hospital), [patient advocate](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/patient-advocate)

[[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/virtual-advocacy-for-surgeries#comments-listing)

Given the COVID-19 pandemic and surge in hospitalizations,  patients having surgery are largely not permitted to have anyone accompany them. This means that your personal (family member, friend) or professional advocate won’t be able to be with you in person. But the good news is that she can still advocate for you if you bring her into the room by phone or video. For ideas on how to virtually connect with your advocate, see my post, [How to Create Long-Distance Advocate Partnerships. ](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/how-to-create-long-distance-advocate-partnerships)

[Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/virtual-advocacy-for-surgeries)

[![](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Business%20man%20pointing%20the%20text%20Checklist.jpeg) ](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/my-guest-post-in-advoconnection-re-preparing-for-hospitalization-during-the-covid-pandemic)

## [Preparing for Hospitalization During the COVID Pandemic](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/my-guest-post-in-advoconnection-re-preparing-for-hospitalization-during-the-covid-pandemic)

 [fa icon="calendar'] Apr 23, 2020 8:00:00 AM / by [Kim Mcilnay, BCPA](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/author/kim-mcilnay-bcpa) posted in [preparing for your doctor's appointment](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-doctors-appointment), [COVID-19](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/covid-19), [Coronavirus](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/coronavirus), [Hospital](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/hospital)

[[fa icon="comment"] 1 Comment](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/my-guest-post-in-advoconnection-re-preparing-for-hospitalization-during-the-covid-pandemic#comments-listing)

Thanks to Advoconnection for posting my article on how to prepare for the hospital, especially during the COVID pandemic. There are specific steps you can take TODAY to prepare.

[Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/my-guest-post-in-advoconnection-re-preparing-for-hospitalization-during-the-covid-pandemic)

[![](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/overflowing%20luggage%20on%20a%20bed.jpeg) ](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/packing-a-hospital-go-bag)

## [Packing a Hospital "Go Bag"](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/packing-a-hospital-go-bag)

 [fa icon="calendar'] Apr 21, 2020 6:40:38 AM / by [Kim Mcilnay, BCPA](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/author/kim-mcilnay-bcpa) posted in [elderly illness](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/elderly-illness), [ER](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/er), [COVID-19](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/covid-19), [Coronavirus](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/coronavirus), [Hospital](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/hospital)

[[fa icon="comment"] 2 Comments](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/packing-a-hospital-go-bag#comments-listing)

We're familiar with the concept of packing a "Go Bag" in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, or if serving as active duty military. If you're someone with chronic illness who may need an emergency trip to the hospital, or someone who is at increased risk of hospitalization during the COVID 19 Pandemic, it's a good idea to pack a "Go Bag" now.

[Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/packing-a-hospital-go-bag)

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#### About Me

My clinical experience as a family physician combined with my personal experience as a patient with chronic illness makes me an exceptional choice to be your patient advocate. 

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