Post Author: Christine Bechtel

Christine Bechtel is a patient advocate and president and chief strategist, X4 Health, a purpose-driven organization on a mission to make health care better for humans.
She is also one of the designers of 3rd Conversation, a foundation-funded program powered by X4 that brings frontline clinicians together with patients in their community to talk about how to reinvent the clinician-patient relationship as the foundation of meaningful systems change.
She is a frequent speaker and creative thinking partner passionate about geeky topics ranging from health data and primary care, to patient and family engagement and new approaches to quality measurement.
Christine testified before the U.S. Senate, Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP), Hearing on the Health Information Exchange and before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways & Means, Health Subcommittee, Hearing on the Meaningful Use of Health IT.

Christine Bechtel is a patient advocate and president and chief strategist, X4 Health, a purpose-driven organization on a mission to make health care better for humans.
She is also one of the designers of 3rd Conversation, a foundation-funded program powered by X4 that brings frontline clinicians together with patients in their community to talk about how to reinvent the clinician-patient relationship as the foundation of meaningful systems change.
She is a frequent speaker and creative thinking partner passionate about geeky topics ranging from health data and primary care, to patient and family engagement and new approaches to quality measurement.
Christine testified before the U.S. Senate, Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP), Hearing on the Health Information Exchange and before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways & Means, Health Subcommittee, Hearing on the Meaningful Use of Health IT.
I often hear professionals talking about “working at the top of their license” – contributing their highest skills according to their training. To overcome this pandemic, now more than ever, every single one of us will need to work and live at the top of our humanity. Patients, families, nurses, doctors, front desk staff, administrators, lab techs, health plan executives – everyone – must find even small ways to create …
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Let’s get right to it: This is an apology letter to frontline clinicians. And a call to action.
I’m a patient advocate, and I’ve spent most of the last 20 years fighting for patient- and family-centered care in national laws and regulations, and in local practice. Prioritizing the needs of patients and families above all else. It is meaningful work to which I feel deeply called, and it is hard work …
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