My job is to make the healthcare part of your life easier. Since I’ve been trained as a doctor, earned my advocacy certification, and worked within the system for years, I can help with lots of things!

• Understanding a disease - I know a lot from medical school and I’m always eager to learn more. Let’s find the factual answers to your questions - if you have a question that can be answered online or through talking with other advocates and doctors, I’ll find your answer. I frequently work with rare diseases, cancer, dementia, autoimmune disorders, and common things like diabetes or heart disease.

• Getting the most out of your appointments - whether you are interviewing a new midwife or following-up with the seventh specialist this month I can help make the most of the limited time you have with the provider.

• Decoding your records - I can translate medical nonsense into words you can understand and repeat.

• Staying safe in the hospital - many medical errors happen in the hospital because of poor communication. I can check in with you and your care team every day from admission to discharge to make sure nothing gets missed.

• Coordinating care - From finding a specialist to locating an assisted living facility for a loved one, I can help. I only take money from you, so you know I only care about your best interests.

• Managing insurance - sometimes, insurers can make getting the care you need more complicated. I have experience dealing with Medicaid (Partnership, MediCal), private insurance (like Aetna or Blue Cross), dental (Delta Dental, Metlife, etc.), and Medicare. I’m great at shopping for plans and getting insurance to pay with prior authorization or denial appeal.

• Planning - when someone reaches the end of their life, they often hope certain things will happen. But, if no plans are in place, outcomes are less sure. I’m trained and experienced in helping you express your wishes for end-of-life care or emergencies and tell the people who need to know.

• Connecting to resources - As a researcher, I’m great at finding programs and services to help you meet your health goals.

• Crossing cultural gaps - I am trained in providing culturally competent care to people of all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. If you feel that your values are lost in the business of the clinic and hospital, I can help be sure your wishes are honored.