the problem
The health care system can be a Kafkaesque nightmare. Our health care providers, despite the introduction of electronic medical records, rarely coordinate with each other. Some providers seem disinclined to refer us to the specialist that we intuitively know that we need to see. Technological advances seemingly have been of only limited help in managing our appointments and insurance and co-payment obligations. Navigating the health care system seems to require a superpower.
On the provider level, often we do not fully understand our doctor’s advice or remember what she or he said to us. Also, many of us are of a generation that grew up taking the doctor’s advice as gospel and not to be questioned. We may not push for treatments. We may not even know how to research what alternative treatments may be available and at least should be discussed with our doctor. We may in fact be getting the best and most complete treatment available anywhere and were right to turn our care over absolutely to the provider. But in some cases, there could be a better provider for the condition, or a treatment that should be considered, and the question is whether a patient would know to ask, assuming the patient was inclined to do so.
our solution
We are not doctors, and do not offer medical advice. Instead, we become your advocate in health care and a part of your medical team. To serve you effectively, we strive to gain your trust, for without complete trust in our discretion, our caring, and our competency, we cannot make a difference.
Breadth of our Services
We work hand in hand with you on the administrative and substantive aspects of your health care. We work with Medicare claims, and study your private insurance. If you choose to do so, you grant us a power of attorney that allows us to sit alongside you and your medical professional.
You may, for example, inform us confidentially of a symptom or condition. We help you communicate with your primary physician, find an experienced medical practitioner in that field, if necessary, make your appointments, confirm the insurance coverage, accompany you to the appointment, take notes during the consultation, ask questions of the doctor (if you would like us to do so), ensure the co-pay amount is correct, and work with you on follow up.
Palliative & Hospice Care
We advise our clients with life-limiting conditions on palliative care options and clients with late-stage terminal illness on hospice. Our consulting services consist of finding the right teams, support groups, and facilities. But our services in this field are also far more personal, spending time with the client to discuss his or her preparation on financial matters and estate planning.