Hep C Discussion Forum

I saw this really good article, at the hcv advocate blogspot, that will help people go through the tx preparation process.  A series of articles is planned. Good stuff, right?   Below is an excerpt and you can read the entire article here:

http://hcvadvocate.blogspot.com/2014/07/patients-first-right-to-be-treated-and.html

'[T]he HCV Advocate will be publishing a series of articles, fact sheets and tools to help patients navigate through the medical care maze and help them to self-advocate.  

Topics will include:

• Medical appointments:
•  How to maximize your medical appointments, questions to ask, reporting symptoms, how to dress, being respectful and respected, what to do if you disagree, working with the gatekeeper (the nurse), and many more strategies to make the transition from a passive to an assertive patient.   How to talk to your doctor about treatment.

• Medical insurance -- what, when and how.  How to fight rejection letters.  Open enrollment and what that means for your drug coverage.  Questions you should ask yourself about your coverage
• .Patient Assistance Programs -- getting started before you start treatment.  Knowing your options, and what services are offered. 
• Finances -- what to expect if you are on treatment. 
• Getting support

We are going to be adding more educational tools as we hear more from people about some of the obstacles they are facing.  But please check out our fact sheets and guides -- we already have many resources that can help people access services and treatment."