WHO WE ARE
WHAT ADVOCATES DO
PARTNERSHIP
Massachusetts Health Care Advocates (MAHCA) is a professional association established to promote and support the profession of health care advocacy in New England. MAHCA provides its members with professional and educational programs in support of their individual health care advocacy practices while furthering the development of health care advocacy as a profession. Our members subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Best Practices established by the National Association of Health Care Advocacy (NAHAC).
Health care advocates work with patients and their families to support and promote their needs and rights as they navigate the complicated US health care system. Among other things, MAHCA members use their expertise to help clients:
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Understand a difficult diagnosis
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Find the best treatment options
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Assist with doctors’ visits and subsequent care
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Resolve issues with health insurance and medical bills
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Consult on medically complicated situations
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Review home health/assisted living needs
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Develop individualized care plans
The Critical Role of Patient & Health Care Advocates: A Special Report
In late 2022, the Coalition of Healthcare Advocacy Organizations (CHCAO) carried out a broad survey to understand the experiences of patient and health care advocates and assess their impact on the individuals they assist.
This publication presents the survey results and contextualizes the concept of patient and health care advocacy as a basis for refining the scope and practice of this professional domain. Download the paper here.
MAHCA is proud to be the first regional group of the National Association of Health Care Advocacy (NAHAC). This association enables us to maximize our impact locally and nationally. NAHAC is the national, professional organization for health care advocacy dedicated to the improvement of patient outcomes through continuing education, the use of national standards of practice and the active pursuit of policy changes leading to a high standard of person-centered healthcare.