Emotional Support  First and foremost, we will be there for you emotionally as you begin to comprehend your diagnosis and prognosis. We will be there to instill in you the knowledge that you can succeed and triumph over the disease that has invaded your body. There is a strong connection between mind and body, and it is important that you begin any treatment with the best mindset possible. As you undergo treatment we will also be there to ensure that you are eating well, washing, exercising/walking when appropriate, and not succumbing to that natural urge that we all feel sometimes to “give up,” curl up under the covers, and sink into depression. Sometimes just going for a walk with someone who cares, or passing the time doing something fun to distract you from your illness for a while, or just venting to someone who will listen, can help A LOT. Your health care navigator will be your friend and confidante and help to uplift your spirits, which will in turn help you to regain your health.

Life Coaching  When you are suffering from disease, you may need guidance and advice on how to cope with your life. You might need some help to learn how to cope with the depression and stress that often accompany the underlying disease. We provide life coaching to help you to deal with your feelings in a productive and healthy way. We offer you a range of tools and resources so that you can choose the ones that are right for you—ranging from meditation techniques, to behavior modification, to motivational CDs, and more. Whatever you need, we will be there to help you cope with your disease and the life changes that it brings.

Spiritual Support  If you desire, we can provide you with information and resources on spirituality or on the religion of your choice–a strong spiritual basis can be very helpful in coping with disease and can be a powerful resource used in healing, if you are so inclined.

Meditation Instruction/Relaxation Techniques  The connection between mind and body has been scientifically proven; a calm mind can yield remarkable gains to one’s body and physical well-being. We can teach you various meditation and relaxation techniques so that you can choose the ones that work for you. Meditation can reduce stress levels, reduce blood pressure, and generally aid in the healing process.

Communication with Family and Friends  We will help you to keep your family functioning while you battle your disease, and to communicate your illness to your children and other loved ones. We will also act as your gatekeeper in the event of well-meaning (but uninvited) visitors.

Communication with Employer  We will help you to communicate effectively with your employer, and we will inform you of your rights as an employee and how to enforce those rights (especially if your illness is such that you will not be able to work for an extended period or will need to work reduced hours). Some employers unscrupulously try to terminate a loyal employee when illness strikes. We will advocate on your behalf to make sure that this does not happen to you.

Medical Team/Coordination of Care  We will help you to put in place a top-notch medical team that offers coordinated care (communication among your primary care physician, your specialists, and all others involved in your treatment). We will help to fast track appointments when time is of the essence (in the case of a degenerative or progressive illness).

Medical Research  We will research the disease, treatment options, side-effects of medications, the latest medical news and research in the area, alternative and complementary medicine treatments (if desired), etc. and provide you with a concise report of our findings, to give you the information and knowledge necessary to make the best decisions as to next steps.

Second Opinion   We will help you to determine when a second opinion is absolutely vital and facilitate obtaining one.

Treatment Options   We will provide objective assistance to help you to decide which treatment options are right for you.

Attendance at Doctors’ Appointments and Hospital Visits  We will attend essential doctors’ appointments with you, take notes, and ensure that all vital questions are answered. We will also meet you at the emergency room at any time of the day or night.

Medical Mistakes/Hospital Acquired-Infections   Hundreds of thousands of patients in the United States are harmed or die every year from medical oversights, medication errors, and hospital-acquired infections. We will help to reduce the risk of these mistakes and infections by monitoring your care while you are in the hospital. We will keep track of your medications and ensure that all caregivers and visitors adhere to the highest level of care, safety, and hygiene (by washing hands, changing gowns and gloves, etc.).

Surgery   We will attend all pre-surgery testing procedures with you and ensure that you and your family feel prepared for a successful and safe hospital experience following your surgery. We will ensure that the hospital is aware of your medical history, your medication allergies, etc. We will be with you at the hospital on the day of your surgery and will help to make your time in the pre-operation area as comfortable and as efficient as possible. We will be there when you are released from the recovery room following the surgery to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible, that your pain is under control and that you have everything that you need.

Hospital Stays   We will make sure that you have everything that you need while at the hospital. Sometimes nurses get busy, and you might find yourself waiting for what seems like hours just to request a warm blanket, something to eat or drink, or someone to help you get to the bathroom. We will be there to make sure you never have to wait so that your hospital stay is as painless and stress-free as possible.

Hospital Forms   We will fill out all hospital forms/paperwork on your behalf (the “red tape”) and make sure that you are aware of all benefits available to you while at the hospital (for example: parking privileges, private room requests, the right to see a social worker, etc.).

Medical Bill Support   We will help you to deal with the onslaught of medical bills, and will review these bills for accuracy, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in inaccurate or unjustified charges. Hospitals and clinics often engage in duplicate billing, “upcoding” (being billed for a more expensive service than was actually provided), and billing for services not performed at all.

Insurance Negotiation   We will explain exactly what your health insurance plan covers, and how to understand the “explanation of benefits” statements that arrive in your mail. We will check for discrepancies and inaccuracies, and we will also negotiate on your behalf in the event of a denial of care/reimbursement, or a refusal to provide permission for care.

Application for Government Benefits   We will apply for any government benefits to which you may be entitled, including Medicare and Social Security Disability.

Discharge/Facilitation of Home Care   We will ensure that you understand all discharge instructions and that your hospitalist (the doctor in charge of your care while you are at the hospital) answers all of your questions and addresses all of your concerns prior to discharge. We will arrange for any physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any other forms of therapy upon discharge from the hospital. We will also coordinate and facilitate any required home care, ensuring that any required intravenous medications are delivered and that any visiting nurse appointments are scheduled. We will be present for all visiting nurse appointments if requested.

Information on Your Rights   We will make sure that you know your rights as a patient. For example, when you are at the hospital, you are entitled to have an IV nurse, also known as an infusion nurse, draw your blood or place an IV in your veins (which is very helpful information if you have difficult, damaged veins); however, most hospitals only have a few IV nurses on call on any given day, and so if you want an IV nurse generally you must ask for one. Similarly, if you are an inpatient at a hospital and you feel that your pain is not being controlled to the maximum extent possible, you have the right to see a pain doctor—a doctor who specializes in pain relief. Most hospitals have such doctors on hand, but again, generally they will not provide you with one unless you ask.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments   We will introduce you to Eastern/holistic/natural treatment options, if desired, such as acupuncture, meditation, yoga, massage, and more—in addition to diet, nutrition, and exercise programs—to ensure that you are approaching your disease from all angles.

Wellness Plans   We will create (and help you to implement) a personalized “wellness plan” so that you can ensure optimal health going forward. Such a plan might include hiring a personal trainer, or joining a gym, or changing your diet.

Follow-Up Appointments   We will schedule and accompany you to follow-up doctors’ appointments, take notes, and ensure that your questions are answered and your concerns addressed; we will make sure that your recovery is going in the right direction.

Performance of Reasonable Requests   We will strive to perform the actions that are necessary to advocate effectively for you, whether or not they are listed here. We will do our best to meet any reasonable request that you have, so when in doubt, just ask.

Please contact us for pricing and payment options for the above services.

In addition to providing the services listed under the first tab to your loved one, we will also help you, the caregiver, in the following ways:

Emotional Support   We will provide you with the emotional support that you need in order to be in the best frame of mind possible to care for your loved one.

Life Coaching   Your life has probably changed substantially since your loved one was diagnosed with disease. You may feel alone and lost, not knowing how to cope emotionally and mentally with what is happening. We can provide you with the tools and resources necessary to get through this difficult time in your life, tailored specifically to your unique needs. And when you are emotionally strong, you will be able to be there for your loved one every step of the way.

Meditation/Relaxation Techniques   Given the strong connection between mind and body, meditation will help you to stay emotionally and physically able to cope with your loved one’s illness in a healthy way, and to be present and alert to what is happening.

Bedside Monitoring   We will give you the peace of mind you deserve by monitoring your loved one’s hospital stay in your absence.

Alzheimer’s Patients   In the event that your loved one has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we will pay special attention to ensure their safety both at home and in the hospital. We will ensure that the nurses on the hospital floor, the visiting nurses at home, and other medical professionals involved in their care are educated about the needs of Alzheimer’s patients and the particular risks that are common to their condition. Our health care navigators are trained in the unique needs of patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Children   Children have unique needs, interests, and fears. Our health care navigators have experience working with children and will help them to cope with the life changes that accompany their illness. We will also work with your child’s school to coordinate homework assignments and address accommodations that need to be made in order for the child to balance school and treatment—to feel successful, encouraged, and supported. We will try to make your child’s life as “normal” and “fun” as possible, despite the circumstances. We will advise you, the caregiver, of special programs, benefits, and events that are available especially for children suffering from disease. If both parents work full-time, your health care navigator will be with your child, at home or in the hospital, when you are unavoidably at work. We will also communicate with your employer when necessary to make sure that your rights as an employee are being protected and that you are not at risk of being terminated from your job because of your child’s condition.

Medication Review   We will keep track of your loved one’s prescriptions and review medications for potentially deadly contraindications, giving you peace of mind that your loved one is safe.

Doctors’ Appointments   We will book and attend important doctors’ appointments with your loved one when you yourself cannot be present, and we will provide you with detailed reports of such appointments, including any required follow-up care or causes for concern.

Nursing Homes   We will help you to choose the best nursing home available based on your loved one’s needs.

Transitions   We will help you with end-of-life care for your loved one, and we will aid in the transition from hospital to hospice or home. We can also help to facilitate end-of-life planning and funeral arrangements when necessary.

Please contact us for pricing and payment options for the above services.

Emotional Support   We will provide emotional support and motivation every step of the way to help you to create and meet your health goals, no matter how unhealthy your lifestyle is currently and no matter how daunting the task of getting healthy may seem.

Health Assessment/Wellness Plan   We will meet with you to create your own personal health assessment and wellness plan based on your unique medical profile.

Medical Team/Coordination of Care   We will locate a primary care physician best suited to your needs, and we will schedule all doctors’ appointments for you. It is never too early to create a plan and set goals to prevent illness and at the same time prepare for health care issues that may arise later in life. This service may be especially helpful for those of you who have recently relocated to a new neighborhood and need to find a new doctor.

Doctors’ Appointments   We will accompany you to your doctors’ appointments and work with you and your physicians to address your unique needs and create reasonable health goals. We will make sure that all of your questions are answered and that you are asking the right questions.

Find the Right Dentist   We will help you to find a dentist in your area and make all dental appointments for you.

Other Professionals   We will book appointments on your behalf to meet with exercise physiologists, dieticians, nutritionists, acupuncturists, neuromuscular therapists, meditation instructors, massage therapists, yoga or Pilates instructors, and any other professionals who will help you to GET and STAY physically and emotionally healthy (and keep you out of the hospital)!

Medical Records   We will request and obtain your medical records, review your family medical history, write down allergies and medications, and organize all of this paperwork into one easy-to-access file so that you have it ready when you need it. This service will be especially helpful for people who have recently relocated and need to request the transfer of medical records from their previous doctors to their current doctors.

Medical Research   We will stay current with the medical data available for any health concerns you may have, based on your medical history, genetics, and lifestyle, and we will inform you regularly of any relevant studies, research, and findings in those areas.

Health Insurance/Government Benefits   We will complete applications on your behalf for health insurance, and will help you decide which health insurance company offers the best plans for the best prices given your unique needs. We will also complete applications to obtain Medicare, Social Security Disability, or other government benefits to which you may be entitled. Obtaining Medicare, in particular (whether because you are disabled or because you have recently turned 65 years of age) is an extremely complicated, overwhelming, and time-consuming process.

Medical Billing Support and Insurance Negotiation   We will respond to correspondences from insurance companies and hospital billing departments (and we will dispute any errors); we will negotiate with insurers on your behalf to overcome denials of care/reimbursement requests and to obtain permissions for necessary care.

Please contact us for pricing and payment options for the above services.

Infrastructure/Policies   We will advise you, the employer, on how to create the infrastructure and institute the policies necessary to sustain a healthy and productive workforce at your company.

Workplace Wellness Programs   We will help you, the employer, to design and implement a workplace wellness program that makes sense for your company (perhaps including: smoking cessation counseling, group fitness activities, nutrition counseling, weight management classes, meditation classes for stress relief, information on how to manage chronic pain, and more).

On-site support   We will make ourselves available at regular intervals at the work site/offices to meet with your employees on an as-needed basis to help them with any personal health concerns, insurance questions, or any other health-related issues they are facing.

Medical Research and Logistical Support   We will conduct medical research and provide logistical support on an as-needed basis. For example, if one of your employees has been diagnosed with an illness and needs to learn about his/her treatment options, we will do the necessary medical research and provide the employee with a report of our findings. If an employee needs to find a suitable nursing home for his grandmother, we can help to locate such a facility. If an employee receives a hospital bill that he/she believes is in error, we will call the hospital’s billing department and advocate on behalf of the employee.

Presentations   We will be available to give presentations on a variety of health-related topics of interest to your employees, including how to choose a doctor, how to manage stress at work, how to understand employee health insurance coverage and benefits, how to prepare for surgery, and much more.

Health Assessments/Wellness Plans   We will meet with your employees at their request to create wellness plans based on their unique medical profiles and personal health goals.

Medical Team/Coordination of Care   We will locate primary care physicians, dentists, and other health professionals according to each employee’s needs, and we will schedule allappointments on their behalf and at their request. This service may be especially helpful for employees who have recently relocated to a new neighborhood in order to work for your company, and who therefore need to find new doctors.

Insurance Negotiation and Support   We will negotiate with the company’s insurance provider on your employees’ behalf to overcome denials of care/reimbursement requests and to obtain permissions for necessary care.

Reasonable Requests   If there is any other service that you would like us to provide for your employees, please ask and we may be able to help.

By providing the above services to your employees as a benefit of their employment, you will save your employees time that they would have otherwise spent navigating the health care system on their own—time that they can now spend doing their job. They will also appreciate your concern for their health and well-being, and so be more inclined to work hard. In addition, by creating a workplace wellness program, you will be helping to ensure a healthy workforce, which will ultimately lead to a more successful company.

Please contact us for pricing and payment options for the above services.

If you are an international patient who is new to the United States, are returning to the United States for follow-up care, or are an out-of-state patient, you will have unique needs that must be met. In addition to providing the services listed under the first tab, we will also provide the following services to our international and out-of-state clients:

Travel Arrangements   We will arrange to have you picked up at the airport upon arrival, and we will coordinate all of your transportation needs (taxis, private drivers, or car rentals). We will also book all airline travel to/from your home country/home state, if desired, during the course of your treatment.

Accommodations   We will arrange for suitable furnished accommodations for you and your family, close to the hospitals and your caregivers. If you would prefer to stay in a hotel during your stay, we will book those accommodations and make sure that the hotel staff is apprised of all of your needs. We will try to make your new surroundings feel as close to “home” as possible. We will make sure that you have phone service, cable television, internet access, and all other desired amenities in your “home away from home.”

Tour Guide   We will act as your tour guide and show you around the area, pointing out restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, dry-cleaners, etc. and will provide you with brochures and maps of the area.

Translators   We will make sure that translators are always available at the hospital to eliminate language barriers. We will make sure that language differences do not cause misunderstandings or otherwise prevent you from receiving the best medical care possible.

Cultural/Religious Matters   We will address any cultural or religious differences that may exist to ensure that your caregivers respect these differences, and to ensure that such differences do not result in miscommunication among you and your physicians and other caregivers.

Medical Jargon   We will take extra care to ensure that you understand at all times your diagnosis, your prognosis, your treatment options, and your treatment plan. Medical jargon can be hard enough to understand when it is in one’s own language, but medical jargon in a foreign language poses an additional problem.

Health Care Navigator’s Qualifications   Whenever possible, we will provide you with a health care navigator who speaks your native language and who is familiar with your cultural and religious background.

Please contact us for pricing and payment options for the above services.