Frequently Asked Questions

Patient advocacy involves supporting and empowering patients to navigate the healthcare system, helping them understand their rights, and making informed healthcare decisions.

A patient advocate acts as a bridge between the patient and healthcare providers, ensuring the patient’s needs and preferences are understood and addressed. They assist with communication, provide information, offer emotional support, resolve conflicts, and advocate for the patient’s rights.

You might need a patient advocate if you’re facing complex medical decisions, struggling to understand your diagnosis or treatment options, encountering barriers to care, or feeling overwhelmed by the healthcare system.

The cost of hiring a patient advocate varies based on the services provided, the advocate’s experience, and location. Some may charge hourly rates, flat fees, or offer sliding-scale pricing based on income.

In some cases, patient advocacy services may be covered by health insurance, especially if they are part of a healthcare program or are deemed medically necessary. Coverage varies by insurance plan and situation.

Yes. Patient advocates can help by reviewing bills for accuracy, negotiating with providers or insurers, appealing denials, and helping you understand your insurance coverage and rights.

Patient advocates support patients and families in making end-of-life care decisions, facilitating discussions, providing information on options, and ensuring the patient’s wishes are respected.

Patient advocates may come from healthcare, social work, counseling, law, or related fields, often with specialized training or certification in patient advocacy. Choose an advocate with the right skills, knowledge, and experience to fit your needs.

A patient advocate can provide the support and guidance you need for the best outcomes, especially if you’re overwhelmed or uncertain about healthcare decisions, struggling to navigate the healthcare system, or having trouble advocating for yourself.

A medical portfolio is a personalized collection of a patient’s medical history, test results, treatment plans, and other health information, compiled into a single document or electronic format.

A medical portfolio helps patients track their health information, facilitates communication with healthcare providers, and ensures continuity of care, especially when consulting multiple doctors or specialists.

A medical portfolio should include a comprehensive medical history (past illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, and family medical history), recent test results, imaging reports, treatment summaries, and discharge summaries from hospitalizations.

Patients can request copies of their medical records from healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and diagnostic centers. Most facilities have processes to request and receive these records.

Yes, patients can include personal reflections, notes, or questions in their portfolios to share with their doctors, offering valuable insights into their health concerns, treatment preferences, and goals.

Yes, patients generally have the right to authorize the release of their medical records to other healthcare providers. However, legal and privacy considerations, such as HIPAA in the U.S., govern the sharing and protection of this information.

Patients can share their portfolios by bringing a printed copy to appointments or securely transmitting an electronic copy via a patient portal or encrypted email.

Yes, patients should regularly update their portfolio with new information, such as changes in medications, recent test results, or updates to treatment plans, to ensure it accurately reflects their current health status.

Patients should be aware of potential risks, such as unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information and possible misinterpretation or misuse by other providers. It’s important to exercise caution and only share records with trusted healthcare professionals.

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth.

Doulas offer continuous support during labor and birth, including comfort measures like massages, positioning, and breathing techniques. They also provide emotional support and advocacy to help communicate birth preferences with healthcare providers.

No, doulas do not replace doctors or midwives. They complement medical care by offering additional support and advocacy.

Anyone expecting a child can benefit from a doula, whether planning a hospital, home, or birthing center birth, regardless of birth preferences or medical needs.

It’s best to hire a doula early in pregnancy to build rapport and discuss your birth preferences.

While doulas primarily support birthing individuals, they also provide support to partners and other family members during the birth process.

The cost varies based on location, experience, and services offered. Discuss fees with potential doulas during your initial consultation.

Yes, many doulas offer postpartum support, including emotional support, breastfeeding assistance, newborn care education, and help with household chores.

Doulas typically undergo training through organizations or certification programs, covering topics like childbirth education, comfort techniques, breastfeeding support, and communication skills.

Yes, many people choose to have both a doula and a midwife or doctor. Doulas and medical providers work together to support you throughout childbirth.

Holistic coaching is an approach that considers the individual as a whole — mind, body, and spirit. It aims to address all aspects of a person's life to achieve balance, fulfillment, and overall well-being.

In holistic coaching sessions, you’ll receive personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals. Sessions may explore various areas of your life, including relationships, career, health, and personal growth, to help you achieve greater balance and fulfillment.

Traditional coaching often focuses on specific goals or areas of life, while holistic coaching takes a comprehensive approach, considering all aspects of well-being, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Holistic coaches may use techniques such as mindfulness practices, meditation, visualization, goal-setting exercises, energy work, and lifestyle modifications to support your goals and enhance your overall well-being.

Holistic coaching is typically not covered by insurance, as it’s seen as personal development rather than medical treatment. However, some employers offer wellness programs that may cover or reimburse part of the cost. Check with your employer or insurance provider for details.

Holistic coaching might be right for you if you’re looking to improve your overall well-being, address specific challenges or goals, and are open to exploring a holistic approach to personal growth. A complimentary consultation with a holistic coach can help you decide if it’s the right fit.

Yes, many clients complement holistic coaching with other therapies, such as counseling, acupuncture, yoga, or meditation. Your holistic coach can work with other healthcare professionals to support your overall well-being.