THE GOAL OF HEALTH ADVOCACY IS OPTIMIZED WELL-BEING

     Health advocacy evolved out of the shifts in demographics and health care.  It involves assessing a client's physical, mental, and social needs, then developing an individualized plan of care to meet them, be they small or large, medical or practical.  This includes making referrals to appropriate services, and coordinating, evaluating, and adjusting them as needed.  Unprecedented changes have occurred in America's health care delivery system during the past 20 years.  These changes have created an alphabet soup of confusion for health care consumers-HMO, PPO, MCO, MCP, ISN, DRG, UR, MDS, RAI, RUG, OASIS, and more.  But people who need health care aren't the only ones confused by these changes, physicians are confused and disturbed by these trends as well.  Before 1990, over 80% of physicians owned their practices, with most of them practicing either alone or in small group practices.  But currently, fewer than 50% of physicians retain ownership in their practices.  The majority of physicians have become employees of hospitals, universities and HMOs, usually through market forces and not by choice.  Currently, over 90% of physicians have contracts with managed care organizations, and these contracts account for over 40% of their revenue.  Managed care organizations generally impose practice guidelines, utilization review and financial incentives on physicians, causing a loss of clinical autonomy as physicians must consider cost-containment in their clinical decision-making.

     These changes have resulted in a need for a personal Health Advocate.  People who are facing undiagnosed symptoms, or those who with a serious acute or chronic health condition, need access to broad information about their condition, their diagnosis and their treatment options.  With the limitations and constraints imposed on physicians and consumers by managed care organizations, many people do not receive all the necessary information to make informed decisions about their health care. 

     Who can you turn to for help or even know when to seek it?  You can turn to us.  Matrix AdvoCare Network is the leading private sector care management organization in the nation.  Since 1987 Matrix has been providing care consulting and advocacy services for people with acute and chronic illness and seniors.  Because Matrix is not affiliated with other providers, does not provide any services other than consultation and advocacy, and does not receive any compensation for referrals to providers, clients are assured that their Health Advocate is acting strictly in their best interest.

Matrix AdvoCare Network/Matrix Team Home Care
Parkdale Plaza, Suite 201
1660 South Highway 100
 Minneapolis, MN 55416-1529
952-525-0505
email: matrix@matrixadvocare.com