Terry McLellan

I’m Terry McLellan, RN, founder of SunNav Healthcare Advocates, LLC. My work is rooted in a simple belief: patients and families deserve someone knowledgeable, compassionate, and fiercely committed to helping them navigate the healthcare system. With over 30 years of nursing experience and more than 35 years in healthcare, I have worked across a wide range of medical settings and specialties. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how overwhelming and confusing healthcare can be for patients and families—especially when they are dealing with serious illness, complex medical systems, insurance challenges, or difficult care decisions. That experience is what led me to create SunNav Healthcare Advocates. Why I Do This Work Too often, patients feel unheard, rushed through appointments, or unsure of what questions to ask. Families are left trying to coordinate care, understand medical information, and advocate for loved ones while already under stress. My role is to bridge that gap. As an independent patient advocate, I work directly with patients and families to help them: Understand diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical options Prepare for and attend medical appointments Coordinate communication between providers Navigate insurance and billing issues Evaluate care options including hospitals, rehabilitation, and senior living Advocate for appropriate, patient-centered care I combine clinical knowledge with real-world healthcare navigation experience to help clients feel confident, informed, and supported. My Approach Advocacy is not one-size-fits-all. Every client’s situation is unique. I take time to listen carefully, understand your goals, and develop a strategy tailored to your needs. Whether you need help preparing for a specialist appointment, coordinating complex care, or navigating difficult medical decisions, my focus is always on helping you move forward with clarity and confidence. My clients often tell me that the greatest benefit of working with me is knowing they finally have someone on their side who understands the system and knows how to navigate it. A Trusted Voice in Healthcare Advocacy In addition to working directly with patients and families, I regularly collaborate with physicians, care managers, and healthcare organizations to improve care coordination. I also speak publicly on healthcare navigation and patient advocacy, including my upcoming presentation at the 2025 Healthcare Advocate Summit titled: “Bridging the Gap: Navigating the Divide Between VA Medical and Benefits Systems.” My Promise When you work with SunNav Healthcare Advocates, you gain more than guidance—you gain a trusted partner in your healthcare journey. My commitment is simple: To help you understand your options, protect your rights, and receive the care you deserve.

Registered Nurse (RN) Completed professional nursing education and licensure requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse. Clinical Nursing Education & Continuing Education Over three decades of ongoing medical education, certifications, and advanced clinical training across multiple areas of healthcare including: Patient advocacy and care coordination Complex chronic disease management Mental health and behavioral health support Healthcare systems navigation Medical documentation and care planning Medicare and healthcare policy navigation Community health and patient-centered care Professional Experience-Based Education In addition to formal education, Terry has gained extensive practical training through 30+ years of bedside nursing and healthcare leadership, providing a deep understanding of: Hospital systems Physician practices Long-term care and rehabilitation Home health and community-based care Insurance and billing processes Interdisciplinary care coordination

Here are professional “Additional Skills & Attributes” you can add to your website or resume for SunNav Healthcare Advocates. These highlight your strengths as a nurse and patient advocate with decades of experience. Additional Skills & Attributes Advanced Healthcare Navigation Extensive knowledge of healthcare systems, enabling effective coordination between hospitals, physicians, specialists, rehabilitation facilities, and home-based services. Patient Advocacy & Empowerment Dedicated to ensuring patients are heard, informed, and actively involved in their healthcare decisions. Complex Care Coordination Experienced in managing complicated medical situations involving multiple specialists, chronic illnesses, and long-term care needs. Medical Interpretation & Education Ability to translate complex medical information into clear, understandable language for patients and families. Insurance & Healthcare Policy Navigation Knowledgeable in navigating Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, insurance authorizations, and healthcare benefits. Crisis Management & Problem Solving Calm and effective under pressure when assisting patients and families through urgent medical situations and difficult healthcare decisions. Provider Communication & Collaboration Strong ability to communicate professionally with physicians, nurses, administrators, and insurance representatives to ensure continuity of care. Compassionate Patient Support Approaches every client with empathy, respect, and a commitment to individualized care. Ethical Advocacy Committed to protecting patient rights, informed consent, and ethical healthcare decision-making. Health System Literacy Deep understanding of how healthcare systems operate, including hospitals, SNFs, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, and senior living communities. Documentation & Medical Record Review Skilled in reviewing medical records, identifying gaps in care, and organizing medical information to support care planning. Strong Clinical Judgment 30+ years of nursing experience providing the ability to recognize medical concerns, identify potential risks, and help guide appropriate care decisions. Optional Attribute Section (Great for Websites) You might also add a short personal strengths section like this: Known For: Fierce patient advocacy Clear, honest communication Deep clinical insight Persistence in solving complex problems Helping families feel less overwhelmed