Kathaleen Deane

Public Health Professional (MPH)
Care Companion Advocates
Kathaleen

Kathaleen Deane

Public Health Professional (MPH)
Care Companion Advocates
Advocate Location
Battle Ground , WA 98604
Specialty
Medical Guidance
Other Services
Insurance & Billing
TeleAdvocacy Available
Offers FREE Initial Consultation
Call Advocate Email Advocate
*Greater National Advocates Terms of Use Apply
How I Can Help
As a complex medical patient myself, I've learned how to navigate the complicated healthcare system we live in. I understand how it feels to stuggle not understanding your diagnosis, what the treatment options are, and what it's like to have a complex illness that is poorly understood. I offer my clients peace and guidance in their healthcare journey.

I can help patients and loved ones with:

* Preparing for medical appointments
* Organizing symptoms, questions, records, and concerns
* Attending appointments virtually or in person
* Taking notes during medical visits
* Helping patients ask clearer, more direct questions
* Supporting communication with doctors, specialists, and care teams
* Explaining medical information in plain language
* Helping patients understand what may come next after a new diagnosis
* Offering practical guidance informed by lived experience with complex health conditions
* Talking through treatment options, procedures, and care decisions so patients feel less alone
* Sharing real-world strategies that may help patients manage appointments, symptoms, and daily healthcare challenges
* Helping patients find appropriate support communities, counseling resources, or additional services
* Researching diagnoses, treatment options, and next steps
* Helping organize medical records and care plans
* Supporting insurance navigation, denials, and appeals
* Reviewing unexpected medical bills and helping patients question charges that do not seem right
* Helping identify billing errors, duplicate charges, or costs that may be reduced or corrected
* Supporting patients through disputes involving out-of-network charges or confusing coverage decisions
* Helping patients understand medical bills and paperwork
* Coordinating care between providers
* Supporting caregivers and loved ones
* Prioritize next steps in your healthcare journey with clarity
* Helping patients feel heard, prepared, and less alone

I offer reduced-cost advocacy services for individuals who are unable to afford traditional advocacy support. These services are available to clients who meet specific income eligibility guidelines.
Important Information About Me
  • I offer a FREE Initial Consultation
  • I offer TeleAdvocacy Service
  • My geographical area of practice is limited to Clark County, WA and the Greater Portland OR area for in-person services. Virtual services nationally.
Why I Became A Professional Health Care Advocate
My name is Kathaleen Deane, and Care Companion Advocates grew out of my own long journey as a patient, caregiver, and public health professional. I experienced chronic migraines from a very early age, early struggles with Addison’s disease, years of severe gastroparesis, and complex diagnoses including MCAS, POTS, EDS, and stage 4 endometriosis. For years, I struggled to be heard within the medical system and eventually reached a point where I felt like no one was listening. Learning how to advocate for myself changed everything.

After earning my Master of Public Health and working in local and state public health, my passion for patient advocacy became even stronger. I started Care Companion Advocates because I know how overwhelming healthcare can feel when you are sick, scared, dismissed, or trying to help someone you love. Helping people through their hardest moments is what drives me. I do not give up easily, and I keep working until my clients feel more informed, prepared, and supported.
Contact Advocate
Formal Education
Cedar Crest College, Biology and Global Diseases, 2012
University of New England, Master of Public Health (MPH), 2016
Faith Experience
  • Christianity
  • Atheism
Additional Skills
*Endometriosis
*Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, and other forms of dysautonomia
*Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, or MCAS
*Gastroparesis
*Addison’s disease
*Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or hEDS
*Chronic migraines
*Complex chronic illness involving multiple diagnoses
*Medical gaslighting, dismissal, or difficulty being heard
*Trouble accessing knowledgeable, coordinated medical care
*Navigating referrals, specialists, and fragmented care teams
*Preparing for appointments, second opinions, and difficult conversations
*Understanding new diagnoses, treatment options, and next steps
*Building self-advocacy skills for patients and loved ones
*Supporting patients who want to better understand their care and speak up in healthcare settings
Professional Affiliations
Personal expereince from fighting with life-long chronic illnessess
Proud co-chair for the Economic Justice Legislative Workgroup