Private, independent patient advocacy is a relatively new concept, especially in the Midwest. Although many healthcare systems offer patient advocacy services, a private, independent advocate offers something the hospital system cannot – complete allegiance to the patient. Independent patient advocates take initiative and directives from their clients, not the system or providers. We seek answers and solutions based on our client’s needs and desires while keeping providers and caregivers inf ...

Many healthcare businesses offer patient advocacy services - from hospitals to home health agencies, even insurance companies. But, how do you know if the service they provide is really what you need or want? Do they really represent you or the business interests of their own company? Who sets the goals and determines when outcomes have been met? What if you desire to step away from their network and seek another opinion or provider? These are all important questions many healthcare consumers ar ...

I know from personal experience that making decisions about my own medical treatment can be a daunting task, especially when there are choices. Just because I am a healthcare professional with decades of experience doesn't mean I have all of the answers. However, I do know how and where to get the answers I need. I'm not intimidated by anyone's credentials when asking questions or seeking additional information. I want to know all of the implications for accepting or refusing the recommended tre ...