Patient advocate writes health care advocacy guide for consumers
In today's complex, profit-driven health care system, obtaining quality care is more challenging than ever.
It led Libertyville resident Teri Dreher, an RN with more than 36 years of critical care nursing experience, to become a professional patient advocate in 2011. Now, she's published a how-to book for health care consumers to help them advocate for themselves and their families.
"Patient Advocacy Matters: The Ultimate How-to Guide to Protect Your Health, Your Rights, Your Life and Your Loved Ones" is designed as a resource for individuals trying to navigate today's confusing, often-intimidating health care system, Dreher says.
"It's too easy for patients to get lost in the shuffle," says Dreher, founder and CEO of NShore Patient Advocates. "I wrote this book to give the average person the tools they need to look out for themselves and their loved ones in various health care settings."
Dreher has helped people like a 92-year-old woman whose son hired Dreher as her advocate when his mom kept falling. After studying her 14 medications - five which can cause vertigo - Dreher asked the woman's doctor to review them. He discontinued several meds and recommended a nutritionist. Now the woman is living safely in her home with support.
The book is filled with fascinating stories about Dreher's experiences as a nurse, professional advocate and concerned family member. In addition, it's filled with practical strategies that health care recipients can use.
Advice includes how to:
• Get the best care in hospitals, while staying safe
• Ask the right questions when weighing treatment options
• Help seniors make the right health care and living choices
• Navigate Medicare and the Affordable Care Act
• Know when it's time to turn to a professional advocate
Dreher developed a passion for patient advocacy when her father-in-law fell critically ill on vacation in Belize. He survived as a result of Dreher's hawkish intervention with both foreign and U.S. doctors and hospitals.
The experience made her wonder what would have happened if he didn't have an experienced nurse by his side. This in turn led her to pursue national accreditation in RN patient advocacy and then found NShore Patient Advocates.
Her industry's professional association, The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, has honored Dreher with its highest award. She sits on the board of the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants.
In addition, Dreher is active in the not-for-profit world. For more than a decade, she led medical missions to Africa. She recently co-founded Chicago's No Little Girl … Taskforce, which is part of the Salvation Army's PROMISE program to combat child sex trafficking.
Dreher is also an inspirational public speaker and gives presentations on topics covered in her book, including health care safety and the importance of self-advocacy.
She will be giving several presentations locally. Tamarack Senior Living Community, 55 S. Greeley, Palatine, will host the presentation "In Your Hands: How to Be Your Own Health Advocate" at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23. For reservations, call (847) 686-3036. She will also speak at 11:15 a.m. April 11 at The Barn-Schaumburg Senior Center, 231 S. Civic Drive, Schaumburg. For reservations, call (847) 524-7496. Also, she will speak at 11 a.m. April 18 at The Garlands in Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. For reservations, call (847) 304-1996. The programs are free and open to the public.