LAW OFFICES OF

W. A. FINER, APLC

Local Trust Attorney Works With Patient Advocate

William A. Finer, a Trust, Probate and Real Property attorney in the South Bay since 1972 recognizes the current unsettling state of health care in California and the United States. The health care system is over taxed with the rapid influx of aging baby boomers, illegal immigrants and millions of uninsured people. The effects on health care of new legislation involving a public/ government run health insurance plan, health care cooperatives or government supported insurance via tax breaks are big unknowns.

To add to this chaos, people who have health care insurance with reputable companies are often put into difficult situations when they become ill. Insurance companies have and continue to disallow treatments, certain medications and discontinue health insurance policies at the onset of a major illness.

Entering a hospital today can be like being a tourist in a foreign country when one cannot speak the language. The level of frustration, confusion and fear are often increased with our senior citizens. They can become overwhelmed with the details of paper work, the medical jargon, the need for certain procedures, painful or not, and all of the possible choices for treatments for their given illness or condition. Our dysfunctional health care system often requires handholding.

The health care dilemma is further complicated in that there is a requirement for a "Health Care Directive" when entering any hospital. Most people do not have the required directive. This is either because they have no knowledge of the need, have not discussed their wishes with their family members, or do not have an estate plan or will that would normally include this document.

Sensing this need to help navigate the labyrinthine of health care, Mr. Finer has made two important changes in his practice as a Trust Attorney. He has added language in all health care directives he prepares to include the client's choice to appoint a Patient Care Advocate and has associated with an Advocate that will be available to his clients on request.

A Patient Care Advocate is a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner who collaborates with the patients and their health care providers. They facilitate and maintain communication between physicians and other health care providers to insure the patient's understanding of their diagnosis, treatment options and specific procedures. By communicating in this manner, it increases patient compliance. An Advocate can review treatment options, medical records, and test results with their clients. Advocates can accompany clients/patients on their doctor visits, coordinate referrals to specialists or assist someone in finding a doctor , while complying with all HIPPA requirements.

Linda M. Smith RNC, MS, NP, CLE Mr. Finer has associated with Linda M. Smith to provide patient advocate services. Ms. Smith is a masters prepared registered nurse and a nurse practitioner. She has practiced in the South Bay since 1989. Prior to practicing as a NP, she was the Chief Nursing Office/Vice President of Nursing for Midway Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, and French Hospital in San Francisco. She is well acquainted with both the operations of hospitals, physician offices, referrals to specialists and long term recovery and assisted living centers. Ms. Smith sees her role as the one described in the American Association of Nursing's Code of Ethics which states, "a nurse promotes, advocates for and strives to protect the health, safety and rights of patients." Nurse Advocates can help guide patients and their families through this alien culture called health care.

Mr. Finer and Ms. Smith make a perfect team, as they have been married for 14 years and are both long time residents of the South Bay.