In general “a healthcare advocate provides fee based, personalized services to a patient and/or their family as they navigate the healthcare system. Their role is to assist, educate and support patients and their families, empowering them to make appropriate healthcare decisions for their specific situations.” Learn more here.

There is a wide range of situations in which our services can help. For example, if you have:

• A challenging medical issue or a lack of diagnosis that has sent you around the healthcare system with unsatisfactory results

• A new diagnosis and are not sure where to go or whom to see for a second opinion

• An elderly family member who needs advocacy during a hospital stay through discharge, check-ins at nursing facilities, or end of life care, and you live remotely or cannot be there consistently

• Are dealing with a medically complex condition and need help finding the appropriate physicians and treatment program

I spent my years in practice educating patients, interpreting medical data and test results, coordinating care, and collaborating with medical colleagues, both in and out of the hospital. Not only can I speak the language of medical providers, I also understand the language (spoken and unspoken) of a loving caregiver. I’ve had the privilege of serving as a patient advocate for family and friends over the years.

In fact, my dad, whose condition is medically complex, has thankfully been my longest case. While accompanying him to his medical visits and hospitalizations, I learned the value of having a patient advocate at your side. I’ve been able to correct medication lists, fill in missing pieces of information from other specialists on the spot, ask relevant questions, and notice potential drug interactions. When this is done in a collaborative spirit, it is clearly helpful to the medical team, too— saving them time, reducing unnecessary phone calls, and decreasing the risk of medical errors. In the extremely complex health care environment, I am uniquely qualified to provide this essential medical service.

No. Summit Healthcare Advocates does NOT provide medical care. We do not diagnose, treat your condition, or make medical decisions for you. All medical authority, diagnoses, and treatment comes from your physicians and medical care team. As your healthcare advocate we help you understand, organize, and process medical information.

• When you’re feeling lost in the healthcare system and are unable to see a clear path ahead. That can be before a diagnosis has been made.

• When there are differences of opinion on a case amongst consulting physicians

• A diagnosis is solid, but the treatment isn’t working

• A loved one is hospitalized, and you can’t be there for their transition to a skilled nursing facility

• And at many other times—the earlier in the process the better

Summit Healthcare Advocates is located in the Seattle area and offers in-person advocacy and navigation throughout Western Washington. However, our services are not limited by geography as we can accommodate clients across the country via video conferencing.

I help your providers use their time with you more effectively, facilitate communication with other providers, and improve patient outcomes. Learn more here. I can be the much-needed bridge between patients, families, and providers that will strengthen understanding, communication and respect and help your providers deliver the highest quality, patient-centered care.

Summit Healthcare Advocates work for you, not the hospital or the insurance company so our expertise is not limited to one facility. We can assist you across different hospital systems, facilities, and provider groups; attend appointments with you; and recommend second opinions outside of your medical group. Our sole allegiance is to you.

No, not yet. Independent patient advocacy is a relatively new and growing field. As data accumulates, it is becoming clear that professional patient advocates can help reduce health care costs. With detailed oversight of medications, labs and test results from multiple providers and facilities, and facilitated communication between specialists, your advocate can help prevent redundant or unnecessary testing, medication errors, and hospital readmission resulting in substantial savings and improved outcomes.

We offer a free initial phone consultation to determine if we can be helpful with your particular healthcare challenge. If you choose to work with us, you’ll begin with a 90-minute comprehensive medical Intake, either in-person or video conference for a set fee of $250.00. An hourly rate will apply after your initial intake.

No. Our main focus and area of expertise is medical navigation and advocacy. While we do help you navigate within the bounds of your insurance coverage, and may assist with some insurance questions, we are not experts in billing advocacy. If the need arises, we would be happy to connect you with a billing advocate.

Summit Healthcare Advocates offers medical navigation and advocacy. Though we have some knowledge of insurance and Medicare, this is not our area of expertise.

Yes. We use HIPAA-compliant Cloud Identity and G Suite for secure storage of your personal medical information, advocacy documents and email encryption. A signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is available upon request.