Chitra Patil

BCPA
Ishta Patient Advocacy
Chitra

Chitra Patil

BCPA
Ishta Patient Advocacy
Advocate Location
Fremont , CA 94555
Specialty
Insurance & Billing
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
- Personalized, culturally aware support for navigating the U.S. healthcare system—especially for first-generation and South Asian immigrants and families new to the U.S.
- Insurance and billing guidance, including coverage explanations, co-pays, deductibles, Medicare, Medi-Cal, and claim filing.
- Bill review and dispute support to identify errors, manage denials and appeals, and communicate directly with billing offices.
- Cost-saving strategies, including financial aid options, payment plans, and lower-cost prescription alternatives.
- Clear explanations of medical care, including diagnoses, treatment options, side effects, and long-term care needs—using plain, easy-to-understand language.
- Patient rights advocacy, ensuring clients receive respectful care, accurate billing, clear explanations, and access to second opinions.
- Doctor visit preparation, helping clients ask the right questions, understand recommendations, and plan next steps with confidence.
- Guidance on critical care decisions, including advance directives, DNR discussions, and treatment choices—always honoring cultural values and family dynamics.
Important Information About Me
  • I offer a FREE Initial Consultation
  • I offer TeleAdvocacy Service
  • My geographical area of practice is San Francisco Bay Area, California
Why I Became A Professional Health Care Advocate
More than a decade ago, I served as a patient advocate for a family member—before I even knew the term. When the patient could not advocate for themselves, I took responsibility for finding doctors, therapists, and treatment programs, and coordinating care across hospitals and treatment centers. I communicated regularly with physicians, nurses, social workers, and care teams through calls and follow-ups, kept the family informed, and—with the patient’s permission—shared relevant information such as social background, habits, medication adherence, and psychological factors that could impact treatment outcomes.
I also researched treatment options and, when appropriate, respectfully suggested alternatives the care team might not have considered. In one case, after discharge, the patient was advised to enter a residential treatment program, but well-known programs had long wait lists. I located a newer, out-of-state program with immediate availability and worked with the care team to arrange a timely transfer.

The insurance provider denied coverage for residential treatment, claiming outpatient care was sufficient and refusing to pay approximately $70,000. I filed a complaint with the California Department of Managed Health Care and won. The insurer was required to cover the treatment, which I secured while managing a high-stress, full-time job.
Contact Advocate
Formal Education
B.S (Physics & Math)
Language Proficiency
  • Hindi
  • Tamil
Faith Experience
  • Hinduism
Additional Skills
How to find cheaper brand name medications
How to appeal denials
How to procure authorizations
Getting second opinions
Finding treatment options outside the area
Navigate the complexity of the US healthcare system as a first generation immigrants(language barriers)
Professional Affiliations
UCLA Certificate in Patient Advocacy (2024) earned with Distinction