Services
Information & Research
Empower patients with the right information to understand their diagnosis and treatment options, communicate with doctors, ask the right questions and get the answers they need.
Patients urgently need good information when diagnosed with an illness. While the Internet has made research widely available, “information overload” can confuse or mislead. Patient Navigator LLC's research experts will prepare the materials you need, so that you can concentrate on the patient.
We can help to:
- Research your medical condition, current treatment protocols, and clinical trials; *
- Provide you with education and support resources dedicated to the particular illness;
- Prepare you for a doctor’s visit with a list of specific questions;
- Accompany you to a local doctor’s visit to take notes and to help you ask questions;
- Communicate with health care providers or researchers on your behalf;
- Research State and Federal medical, housing and social services benefits available to you.
* Patient Navigator does not give medical advice and is not a substitute for the consultation and care of doctors and other health care providers. We provide the best research available to the public, but you should always review it with your medical team.
Client Stories
“Elizabeth, a multiple myeloma patient, was recovering from a stem cell transplant when she contacted Patient Navigator, LLC. She wanted to explore follow-on treatment options. Patient Navigator LLC provided a summary of relevant medical literature on tandem stem cell transplants, a targeted list of questions for her consultations with Sloan-Kettering cancer specialists and information obtained directly from the lead researcher, in Belfast, Ireland, of the most current research study on tandem stem cell transplants.”
“Phyllis contacted Patient Navigator, LLC when her ailing father, a World War II veteran, needed access to veteran’s benefits. His records had been lost in a 1973 fire at the Defense Department. Patient Navigator LLC tracked down his discharge papers through employment, state and county records. Working with Phyllis, we completed the paperwork and enrollment for her dad so that he would begin to receive his benefits.”
“Connie’s breast cancer had spread to the bones. She asked Patient Navigator, LLC to research the options of cryoablation and radiofrequency (thermal) ablation. We prepared for her a package with the latest academic and clinical findings. We communicated directly with various doctors and researchers on her behalf and provided her with those results.”
“Laura, who lived out of state, was worried about her aging father, who had recently moved to an assisted living home. Patient Navigator, LLC provided a package of information on geriatric depression and arranged for mental health services through private and county social services. A navigator visited regularly with Lauren’s dad to help him transition to his new home.” Back to Top
Advocacy
Advocate for the patient’s rights and needs in all necessary ways.
In a complicated and inefficient medical system, patients must learn to advocate for themselves and their loved ones, whether for the attention of a busy doctor, dealing with bureaucracy or handling insurance problems.
We can help to:
- Tackle insurance issues and solve problems on your behalf;
- Monitor your medical bills and insurance payments for accuracy;
- Seek appointments to see the best doctors for second opinions;
- Communicate with doctors in other parts of the country who can review your diagnostic tests;
- Find and access appropriate social services for you;
- Tackle a hospital bureaucracy and oversee the care you are given;
- Negotiate with an employer if you or a family member cannot work;
- Work with schools to accommodate sick children and to get them the assistance they need;
- Seek creative ways to get you the resources you need for your treatment and recovery.
Client Stories:
“Melinda contacted Patient Navigator LLC because she was worried about the invoices being submitted to her aged parents for several different hospital and rehabilitation center admissions. She was already overwhelmed by the demands of her young family and demanding career, and unable to spend the time necessary to resolve the discrepancies in the billing and insurance coverage. Patient Navigator LLC met with her parents, reviewed hundreds of pages of bills and insurance statements, and identified the source of the problem. After Patient Navigator LLC coordinated with the rehabilitation center and insurance companies, the insurers covered the $13,000 discrepancy and Melinda’s parents owed nothing more.”
“When Nancy was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, the consequences of her illness and aggressive treatment rendered her unable to work. The company providing her disability compensation was reluctant to continue benefits, despite her inability to work. Patient Navigator LLC clarified the requirement for the clinical information needed, then coordinated with multiple doctors to obtain it. Once provided with the information, the insurance company agreed to continue paying Nancy’s disability benefits.”
“Virginia was worried about her brother Steve in Kansas City who suffered from debilitating infections as a result of an unsuccessful colostomy surgery. Steve, a Vietnam veteran, he was unable to get assistance from the Veterans Administration (VA), lost his insurance and was deeply depressed. Patient Navigator LLC prepared Virginia for her visit to Kansas City by arranging a meeting with local Congressional staff to enlist their support for intervention with the VA. Virginia was armed with briefing materials, talking points and a schedule of appointments to advocate for her brother. Later, Patient Navigator LLC negotiated a follow-up operation to repair the colostomy.”
“Howard’s mother experienced significant cognitive deterioration in the course of only two weeks. His mother’s doctor insisted it was due to Alzheimer’s disease, but Howard believed such rapid deterioration was inconsistent with Alzheimer’s. Patient Navigator LLC contacted a geriatric specialist, who agreed to examine Howard’s mother the following business day. The geriatric specialist provided an accurate diagnosis of systemic infection and initiated an appropriate treatment plan. Howard’s mother did not have Alzheimer’s disease.” Back to Top
Solve Problems
Help families to mobilize a support network, find solutions to everyday problems and assist caregivers.
A medical crisis turns a family’s life upside down. What happens when a child becomes ill or an aging parent must be cared for? Daily life must evolve to cope with the new reality, because daily life must go on.
We can help to:
- Identify areas of family life that need to be addressed, then mobilize a support network among friends and family to shop, prepare meals, do laundry, mow the lawn, pay the bills, manage school schedules or cover hospital shifts;
Coordinate communication between care providers, insurance providers and family members; - Work with aging parents to address changing housing and living situations, medical care, social interaction or emotional needs;
- Help caregivers get the resources and support they need;
- Put a plan in place to keep your household running;
- Develop a plan for sibling care and/or pet care, if parents are busy with a sick child;
- Visit aged or ill parents in their home to identify and communicate their needs to an adult child who may live far away.
Client Stories
“Paula was dying, and her caretaker uncle asked Patient Navigator LLC to serve as liaison between angry family members who were not speaking to each other. After Paula passed away, the navigator assisted with funeral arrangements and subsequent administrative matters.”
“Betty needed help at home while recovering from her cancer treatment. Patient Navigator LLC arranged for a visiting nurse, cleaning service and help with food preparation for the family.”
“Nancy lived alone, in a rural area of New Mexico. She had no relatives nearby to help her as she went through extremely aggressive cancer treatment. Patient Navigator LLC identified services to help transport her between her home and the city in which she was receiving treatment, and to care for her pets when she was unable to do so.” Back to Top
Integrative Care
Develop an integrated approach to healing and recovery, guided by the patient’s desires.
Healing and recovery encompass more than traditional medical treatments. Patients often seek complementary therapies that support body, mind and spirit. Support groups, nutrition, and faith are, for many, integral to the healing process.
We can help to:
Explore with you and your medical team complementary therapies;- Connect you with an appropriate support group or other individuals who can share your experience;
- Provide information on nutrition and nutritional supplements;
- Help you to explore your personal belief system to support you spiritually through your illness;
- Develop an overall wellness plan to give your family the best quality of life during your journey through illness.
Client Stories
“Joanne, a recovering cancer patient, was rediscovering her faith. At Joanne’s request, her navigator attended a healing service at Joanne’s church with her.”
“George, a healthy 71-year old widower, asked Patient Navigator LLC to help him organize his medical records and to design a nutrition and exercise wellness plan. With no immediate family nearby, he wanted assurance that he had an advocate available should he need one.”
“After her treating oncologist dismissed her request for vitamin supplements, Patient Navigator LLC helped Diana, a lung cancer patient, find a doctor to implement a more robust supplemental vitamin and nutrition therapy program.” Back to Top
Fees
After a complimentary initial 10-minute phone consultation, you can choose from the following options:
A) Individualized Action Plan (5 hours) - $300
Patient Navigator LLC conducts a detailed, individualized needs assessment in person or by phone. With the information you give us, together we decide which problems need immediate attention. Patient Navigator LLC then gets to work on your behalf. We remain in close contact during this process and we give you written results.
B) Specific Problem-Solving or Research Requests - $75 per hour
C) Monthly or Annual Retainer: Patient Navigator LLC offers monthly or yearly retainer options. Prices vary depending on services desired. We will tailor a retainer agreement to meet your needs and budget.
Our goal is to find a way to help anyone who needs it. If you require alternate payment options, please let us know. Back to Top
