There is board certification through The Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB), which is the credentialing body for the profession. Once certified through the PACB, Independent Patient Advocates can then display the BCPA credentials publicly. To stay up to date, Board Certified Patient Advocates are required to receive continuing education and also frequently attend other types of professional development. I am currently studying for my board certification exam and will be taking it in the fall.

Some advocates work for hospitals or insurance companies and while they do many of the same beneficial services, their bottom line is the organizations' bottom line. As an independent patient advocate, I work for you I help you make informed healthcare decisions that align with your wishes and get you the care you need by using my background, knowledge, and professional experience to help you navigate the healthcare system.

Both, depending on your needs. I provide services either by video conference or by phone for those located outside my region of service and also to local clients who may not be able to meet in person for whatever reason. At this time, I am located in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, and can travel to areas inside the Monadnock Region.

I am not a medical provider. As such, I do not provide any medical care, nursing services, or medical/legal advice. I serve as a consultant and resource to get you to the people who can do those services! I am also an expert in pain neurobiology, neurophysiology, and neurochemistry and focus my services on helping people better understand their pain and how their habits can contribute both positively and negatively to their pain experience.

I am generally available Monday through Friday 9 AM-5 PM. For clients who keep me on retainer, I am available for emergencies that arise outside of those times.

As this is a private, independent service, insurance does not cover it. If you have an health savings account (HSA), you may be able to use funds from that to pay for advocacy services. All fees are the responsibility of the responsible party, which is detailed in my client agreement.

No. I do not transport clients or family members and instead, will meet you at the appointment. I can certainly help you arrange transportation if that is a barrier for you.

The privacy of your medical information is my upmost priority. Unless I have specific written permission from you, I will not discuss your personal information with anyone, including other family members, friends, or those paying for my services. We use encrypted, HIPAA protected e-mail to ensure the information you choose to share with us is secure. All personal and medical information shared with me is treated confidentially and is protected at all times.

Since I am hired directly by the client, there is no influence by the interests of the hospital or insurance industry. If you need services, but cannot afford to pay, there are resources available. Please arrange a free consultation and don't hesitate to be upfront. There is no shame. I can refer to organizations that have access funds or there are advocates, like me, who sometimes have availability for a sliding scale or pro-bono client.

No. We provide you with the information needed for you to make an informed decision about your options based on your needs, desires, insurance coverage, and cost.