No. I am not qualified to treat patients, nor is that what patient advocates do. We will assist you in finding the most suitable health care providers and services to meet your unique needs.

Overall, patient advocates fall into two groups: medical and financial. But, there’s a vast range of services that may be offered. Some advocates work as generalists, some limit themselves to medical or financial issues, and some have a very restricted focus. We're as unique as you are!

As a medical scientist, I prefer to focus on medical navigation, not the financial/insurance side of things. I’m at home in a hospital or clinic setting.

If your issues are both medical and financial, I will gladly work with you on the topics I am competent in. If there’s something outside my area of expertise, I know just where to find someone to help me help you.

Yes, I have - individuals that are healthy as well as those experiencing chronic and terminal illnesses.

I have advocated for those with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) & POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), cancer, endocrine disorders, acute illness, terminal conditions, and elder care.

Clients may be local or across the US.

To become a board-certified patient advocate (BCPA) I took the full set of courses offered by the Alliance of Patient Health Advocates (APHA) to prepare for the role. Our education includes, for example, HIPAA regulations, and patient privacy, autonomy, and patient rights. We learn about the functionality of healthcare facilities and provider groups, care coordination, and the common challenges that patients face with their own unique set of circumstances.

After training there is a comprehensive exam to test our knowledge conducted by the Patient Advocate Certification Board (pacboard.org) If we pass, we gain certification. Subsequently, we are required to stay up to date with relevant topics and to submit new training accomplishments to the organization for approval.

All board-certified patient advocates are guided by the Health Advocate’s Code of Conduct and Professional Standards. I am an official subscriber.

Sometimes loved ones facing hospitalization or struggling with a medical issue are at a disadvantage when it comes to advocating for themselves. Even if you’re not the patient, you can hire the services of a patient advocate for them.

You may be a spouse or life partner, relative, friend, legal representative, church organization, employer, etc.

Please note that my utmost allegiance is to the patient, not the person paying for services. My goal is to assist patients in gaining control of their healthcare and to protect their autonomy.

If a person is not mentally capable of making decisions, their medical power of attorney or legal caretaker may have a say in their care. Know, however, that I will work to protect the patient’s wishes before incapacitation whenever possible.

Yes. This service is intended to help anyone who has a healthcare need.

I live in sunny southern Arizona and I am willing to travel anywhere in the US. I have clients all over the country and we meet virtually by Zoom.

Yes! Everyone deserves the best healthcare available, no matter what your gender identity. Although I am a cisgender woman, I respect everyone’s right to privacy and inclusion.

For more information, start here: https://youtu.be/PHUt_eqTLNw?feature=shared

Per the The Code of Conduct & Professional Standards for Professional, Independent Health & Patient Advocates that I subscribe to, I will, at all times, maintain privacy on behalf of clients and will keep confidential all activities and records according to agreements among them, and any applicable laws.

All client information will be processed on a computer that is encrypted, and stored in a HIPAA compliant cloud for your protection.

Know that, although not required, board certified patient advocates adhere to HIPAA regulations because it’s the right thing to do.

The HIPAA (Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Privacy Rule protects 18 identifiers of individual health information, such as:

Names

Addresses

Dates (except years) directly related to an individual, such as birthdays, admission/discharge dates, etc.

Telephone numbers

Email addresses

Social Security numbers

Medical record numbers

Health plan beneficiary numbers

Account numbers

Any other unique identifying numbers, characteristics, or codes

Make contact! You have a few options - fill out the email form, use calendar scheduling, or simply call 520-500-4680.

We can meet in person, virtually, or on the phone to discuss your healthcare goals. The first 30 minute consult is FREE!

After our initial contact, we will schedule a time for us to get to know each other and for me to learn the specifics of your health care situation, concerns, and goals.

A thorough information gathering session may take an hour or more and can be conducted online through Zoom. Afterward, I will devise a plan of action customized to meet your needs.

A legal contract outlining our working agreement will need to be signed and payment received prior to the provision of any services. This can be done electronically.

A contract outlining the working agreement will need to be signed and payment received prior to the provision of any services.

If will be necessary to complete and sign Release of Personal Health Information forms with your providers if you choose to share your medical records with me.

Additional papers may be necessary, depending on the scope of work we may agree on later.

This can all be done electronically.

No, and as nice as that sounds, you probably wouldn't want them to. Why? Because whenever an insurance company is paying for services they will have their own best interests at heart, not yours. I work directly for YOU and my only goal is to get you the best, most efficient, least stressful care possible.

Hiring a patient advocator is not right for everyone —or every person’s situation. I understand there is a financial investment associated with advocacy services, and occasionally some reluctance. I get it — I’ve been on the other side—and know that as complicated as navigating the healthcare system is, it can be equally difficult navigating the consequences of your own or a loved one’s illness.

As a sole proprietor, I do it all, including routine business administration. We are both better served by allowing me to spend my time helping YOU instead of worrying about bills.