Pathfinder's Blog Posts

Inevitably when I’m asked what I do and respond that I’m a private patient advocate, one eyebrow raises, followed by “What’s that?” My “Private Patient Advocate” elevator speech goes something like this: “Private patient advocates are independent professionals that help patients and their families clarify options for managing their healthcare as well as the cost …

Does Insurance Cover That? Read More »

An advertisement arrived in my mail recently from a local hospital system offering a special promotion on  “heart disease, stroke, and aneurysm prevention package testing.” The tests included were extensive, and the mailing screamed not to wait to schedule these “life-saving screenings.” And, by the way, these tests are normally valued at over $2100 but …

Before you jump in…Re-thinking preventive health screening Read More »

Monica* had driven herself to the emergency room at a local hospital late at night after experiencing severe abdominal pain. She was worried she might have appendicitis, and her insurance company nurse line had advised her to go to the emergency room. A CT scan, MRI, and blood work were ordered, and intravenous pain medication …

Caveat Emptor! (Or…a new twist in paying for healthcare) Read More »

Why *Where* you Get Your Health Care Matters to Your Pocketbook That old saying about real estate value is true in health care, too. I had the mistaken idea some years ago that if my doctor ordered an MRI, the cost was the same wherever I had it done. I only paid a copay, so …

Location, Location, Location! Read More »

When my sons were little, one of our favorite board games was the Milton Bradley game of “Life.” You select your playing piece, a small plastic car, then a spin of the wheel determines how far ahead you move on this simulated journey of life – choosing trade school or college, getting married or staying …

What Milton Bradley Knew Read More »

A year ago, my 27-year old son injured his knee playing soccer. After months of conservative treatment and continued pain, an MRI showed a fracture in the cartilage in his knee, an uncommon problem for a person his age.  We worked together to prepare for his appointment with a well-referred orthopedic surgeon, and my son …

“Feeling the love” vs. “Feeling the trust” Read More »