The Case For An Independent Cancer Care Advisor
How does one plan and prepare for the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis? Aside from doing your best to live a healthy lifestyle and retain adequate health insurance, few options exist. Whether you are a patient or a caregiver, the stresses brought...
What's Your "Plan B?"
As I continue to look for silver linings during this challenging time, I find myself grateful for the pleasure of working with several clients who are not in crisis — but who are thinking ahead and planning. All of these clients are caregivers...
Hospice Volunteers: Still Under the Radar
I recently submitted a case review for a patient I cared for as a hospice volunteer. The publisher asked me the following question that gave me pause: “Is it usual to have a hospice volunteer, or was that an exception?” I wondered how it was that...
Is it Okay to Change Oncologists?
The short answer; ABSOLUTELY! A cancer diagnosis hits patients and loved ones like a brick. Most often you are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the diagnosis, especially initially. Cancer management is time-sensitive and you may feel rushed to...
Do you have a Medical Bill?
Claim Denial Has your insurance company ever denied any of your claims? Have you received medical bills stating that you are responsible for the full cost of services rendered? Have you ever been told after receiving medical care, imaging, or lab...
I'm a Patient Advocate: What Does That Mean?
When I tell people I'm a patient advocate, they smile and say, that's nice! But…what is that? Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed with information and questions regarding your healthcare? You are not alone. Two common scenarios arise...
Having My Parents Die at Home Was a Powerful and Worthwhile Life Experience
Home deaths are challenging yet fulfilling life experiences. Perhaps our family's story can enlighten & provide inspiration to yours. First, a few thoughts to share in foreword… In 2015, both my Dad (and then my Mom 11 months later...
Are You Engaged?
Are You Engaged? The era of “the doctor knows best” is over. No more walking into a medical appointment hoping to be told what to do with no questions asked. Do you suppose there’s a reason patients historically agree with a doctor’s...
Have You Considered a Clinical Trial?
Perhaps you or a loved one just got diagnosed with the dreaded “C” word. Or perhaps you have been battling cancer and the treatment is just not working or not tolerable. There are lots of possible options and it is your right to know about them...
Are You Engaged?
Are You Engaged? I’ve got news for you. The era of “The doctor knows best” is long overdue. No more walking into a doctor’s appointment to be told what to do with no questions asked. Do you suppose that there is a reason patients so readily agree...
Same Story, Different Day in the ICU: Families Still Caught Off Guard During Emergencies
We kept encountering the same scenario over and over again, like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day. Patient after patient and family after family play a guessing game with what their loved one would have wanted while they're in the ICU with Covid-19...
Conflict and Conflict Resolution During Hospice
People are surprised to learn there is often conflict when a loved one is in hospice. Unfortunately, some disputes do not cease when people are near death. On the contrary, family members can become more entrenched in their positions creating...
Slicing the Pie Safely: How to Avoid Family Conflict
Imagine you are terminally ill, downsizing from house to apartment, or transitioning into a long-term care facility and you have personal possessions that you wish to distribute to family and friends. How do you decide who gets what and how do you...
Patient Advocates as Contact Tracers: Explore The Possibilities
During this covid 19 epidemic, we have all been challenged both personally and professionally. We have made major and often difficult adjustments, by staying and working from home and strictly following the guidelines of the cities in which we...
Cares Act Provider Relief Fund: What Does it Mean?
The Cares Act Provider Relief Fnd is intended to provide funding to medical providers for care related to COVID-19 for uninsured individuals. This funding will be given to providers with some exceptions. What Does This Mean For The Uninsured? The...