What is a Patient Advocate?

As Patient Advocates we will help you navigate through the choppy and turbulent waters of the health care system and insurance companies. A Patient Advocate is the captain of the ship while you are the owner of the boat.

What are the benefits of having a Patient Advocate?

A Patient Advocate is the “captain” of the team.

One-to-one patient advocacy was born of necessity to mitigate the complicated, inefficient, expensive, and fragmented healthcare delivery system in the United States.

PCPs of old used to coordinate care among all of your specialists. It’s important to have a cohesive and communicative team if you’re dealing with a condition that requires input from numerous specialists. Other times your team members are from multiple hospitals or different states. Your Patient Advocate becomes the point person for you.

What can True North do for me?

Preventative Health

  • Organize and update medical records
  • Address unhealthy habits
  • Locate new primary care physicians, dentists, and specialists
  • Schedule regular doctor visits
  • Assist with choosing health insurance

Doctor Visits

  • Schedule & attend appointments
  • Ask the right questions & obtain satisfactory answers
  • Improve communication among you, your MD, and other members of the healthcare team
  • Organize medical records in preparation for a second opinion if necessary
  • Interpret medical records

Hospitalization

  • Provide logistical support
  • Accompany you to surgery and if necessary, stay with you throughout hospitalization
  • Ensure hospitalization is stress free and runs smoothly
  • Provide emotional support and companionship
  • Ensure proper discharge plans are made

Post Hospitalization

  • Arrange for homecare services
  • Arrange for medical equipment
  • Verify medications & arrange for medication pickups
  • Arrange for rehabilitation services
  • Arrange for nursing home placement

Diagnostic Phase & Change in Health Status

  • Provide guidance through diagnosis & treatment
  • Provide logistical support
  • Provide emotional support
  • Facilitate referrals to and coordination of support services

Palliative Care

  • Palliative Care is not hospice care. Palliative Care is coordination of care for someone with complex medical issues such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary conditions, cancer, or multiple comorbidities.
  • Coordinate symptom management
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary medical team meetings
  • Research and explain risk vs. benefits of various treatment options
  • Coordinate family meetings

End of Life Care

  • Coordinate care for those with life limiting illnesses to optimize their quality of life