Get Updates

Patient Voices Blog
September 28, 2021

September Volunteer Spotlight: Sarita Battish

I was motivated to get involved in patient advocacy because of my own experiences and the experiences of those who are close to me. My neighbor, who had been recently discharged from the hospital, passed out in our building's elevator and was rushed back to the hospital with a new head injury. There was no one available to really support her, so I did an online search for organizations that could possibly help and that's when I learned about NPAF and PAF. That incident led me to talk with my other neighbors about their experiences with healthcare, and I learned that despite all of them having “good” medical coverage, they all had trouble navigating the healthcare system. Today, talking with my neighbors keeps me engaged with my community. I have given several presentations in senior housing buildings, local organizations and community fairs about NPAF and Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF). I share flyers and pass out literature in the community and participate in events with other like-minded organizations to support legislation that will benefit all patients.

Read More
  1. March 5, 2019

    "No Shame in My Game" - Talking about Cost

    “There’s no shame in my game,” said Shirley Bridgett during our Fall 2018 Policy Consortium in response to being asked if she was uncomfortable initiating cost conversations with her provider. She continued that she’d rather have a discussion upfront about the price of her treatment in the privacy of the doctor’s office instead of being surprised at the pharmacy counter by a co-pay amount that she can’t afford.

    Read More
  2. February 15, 2019

    Advancing Person-Centered Care Will Address the Issue of Surprise Medical Bills

    Although I received amazing clinical care from the nurses, doctors and hospital staff, the fact I had to ask multiple people whether the anesthesiologist was in-network was incredibly frustrating. While I was nervous about my procedure (and devastated over the miscarriage), I was more nervous about potentially being balance billed. I couldn’t help but think that this whole experience should be better for patients. It should be person-centered

    Read More
  3. November 7, 2018

    From our CEO: What now? Health Care After the Election

    It is crucial that you continue to advocate for patients in your neighborhood and nationwide. While we may feel secure that a massive change is not about to upheave millions’ of Americans health care, there are still multiple venues in which we must raise our voices in support of access to affordable, quality care.

    Read More
  5. June 27, 2018

    UPDATE: PCHETA moves forward

    Today HR 1676, the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), passed the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health by voice vote and was reported to the full committee for consideration. PCHETA would expand the palliative care research, training, awareness and career development that is vital for improving access to palliative care for the millions of seriously ill infants, children and adults in the US who need these services to maximize their quality of life.

    Read More
  6. April 11, 2018

    Using Patient Stories to Inform Advocacy

    "The squeaky wheel often gets the most attention and the results," she reminded us, "but we need to make sure we hear the voices of those individuals and communities that are not always heard." 

    Read More