Lea Ann Biafora

MS, RN, OCN, CCM, CPHQ
Beacon Advocates
Lea Ann
legacy member

Lea Ann Biafora

MS, RN, OCN, CCM, CPHQ
Beacon Advocates
Advocate Location
St Petersburg , FL 33701
Specialty
Survivor Support
Other Services
Medical Guidance
TeleAdvocacy Available
Offers FREE Initial Consultation
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*Greater National Advocates Terms of Use Apply
How I Can Help
Founded in 2012, Beacon Advocates are specialized RNs who have worked in cancer for 20+ years in all aspects of cancer care and within the healthcare delivery system.

Our goal is to guide patients (our clients) through the complexities of the healthcare system and their cancer care while advocating to ensure our clients get the BEST cancer care available. Our services increase confidence while reducing burdens commonly associated with a cancer diagnosis.

We assist our clients by:
- Eliminating barriers to excellent care
- Navigating the complexities of cancer care within the healthcare maze
- Providing peace of mind
- Removing barriers to excellent cancer care
- Understanding their insurance benefits
- Understanding their disease and treatment options
- Developing lists of questions to discuss with the patient's medical team
- Comparing planned treatments to scientific (evidence-based) clinical treatment guidelines
- Researching clinical treatment and clinical trial options, if requested
- Guiding through changes in treatment regimens
- Reviewing and organizing all medical records and bills
- Coordinating all or parts of cancer care
Important Information About Me
  • I offer a FREE Initial Consultation
  • I offer TeleAdvocacy Service
  • I am insured
  • My geographical area of practice is NATIONALLY
My Survivor Support Advocacy Qualifications
I am a survivor of 9 year year breast cancer survivor, we have experience in all aspects of cancer care throughout the entire cancer care continuum: all stages breast, colon, lung, glioblastoma, bladder & kidney cancers, heme: lymphoma, sarcoma, leukemia
I have been trained and/or certified as a peer mentor.
Oncology nurse specialist with multiple certifications and upkeep demonstrating my commitment to excellence and ability to produce results - ultimately, the best cancer care outcomes due to our expertise and navigation services that focus on high engagement and empowerment among the patient (our client) and their family. Oncology nurse, oncology navigator, quality care, case management
experience oncology nurse diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago. Happy to discuss my journey - it was long and hard - even had to part from my initial surgical oncologist when she did not follow the scientific guidelines and did not employ shared decision making.
Why I Became A Professional Health Care Advocate
We are an innovative and independent cancer care management and advocacy company with a team of specialized 'insider' oncology nurses and social workers offering professional guidance and advocacy services designed to support patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.

Since 2012, our seasoned and certified oncology nurse specialists have helped families navigate their cancer experience by providing guidance and advocacy services that place the patient back at the center of care. Our primary commitment, first and foremost, is to the patient and their caregivers.

Beacon provides the time and attention to listen and support clients at many interconnected levels focused on lessening patients’ burdens and offering peace of mind. The success we have in the work we do comes from our holistic method of approaching cancer care. We look at everyone living with cancer as a person, not a patient. This way, we learn what is essential to our clients and eliminate barriers to excellent care by connecting them to available resources.
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Formal Education
Simmons College, MS in Health Care Administration, 2000
Emory University, Nursing, 1995-1997
Miami-Dade Community College, AS Nursing, 1993
Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Miami, FL, Nursing Diploma, 1993
Faith Experience
  • Catholicism
  • Christianity
  • Protestantism
  • Islamism/Muslim
  • Buddhism
  • Hinduism
  • Judaism
  • Atheism
Additional Skills
Over thirty years in the healthcare industry with a unique combination of experience as an oncology certified nurse (OCN) and accomplished leader within the healthcare business sector.

As a licensed Registered Nurse, I advocated for cancer patients in the following settings:
• Staff Nurse in hospital: community and academic settings
• Nurse Consultant and Case Manager within the insurance and industry settings
• Independent Nurse Advocate and Healthcare Navigator for cancer patients (and their loved ones)

Accomplishments within the healthcare business sector:
• Built, improved, and expanded healthcare programs
• Provided consultative services within multiple healthcare sectors
• Increased operating revenues through negotiating and securing managed care contracts
• Contained costs through utilization service enhancements
• Improved clinical and regulatory outcomes through measurable activities

Specialties: Cancer Patient Advocacy and Healthcare Navigation services - Healthcare Consulting; clinical program development
Professional Affiliations
Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) 2000 - present
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) 2010 - present Certified Case Manager (CCM) 2011 - present
Oncology Nurse Navigation - ONN-CG - 2020 - present