A advocate does not provide hands on medical care, such as administering injections, taking blood pressures or changing bandages. A health advocate is an individual who provides direct and personalized services to a patient and their family as they navigate the healthcare system. An advocate may have a medical, nursing or social worker background with several years of medical experience or have graduated from an advocacy program. Health advocates may also specialize in particular areas. For example, some may help you with medical billing; assist with acute or chronic diagnoses, mental health services and/or pain management. Some private advocates work with individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. In this instance, an advocate can provide guidance and support particularly when facing critical decision making. An advocate working with cancer patients can assist you in understanding your disease and what it means, help you prepare for your various medical appointments, provide safety tips for planned surgical procedures and hospitalizations. An advocate can also communicate with your health care needs to your medical team and exchange information with family members, just to name a few.

How can a patient advocate help you?

Guide you in finding the appropriate physician and care team. Help you prepare for physician appointments by working with you to develop an agenda for each meeting to make sure you get your questions answered. Assist you in securing a second or third opinion. Review medical records. If needed, Identifying pathways of care from hospitalization to home health care. Create questions for your cancer team to support your understanding of your illness, explaining various testing, scans and blood work that may be ordered and treatments options 1 Patient Advocacy Explained by Linda Garvin so you can make an informed decision about your care. Help you learn about your diagnosis, research your treatment options and provide valuable resources. Assist in developing a personalized care plan. Make home and hospital visits. Assist with discharge planning. If needed support and educate you with end of life planning. Help a family make decisions for a loved one who needs health-related assistance.

What is a Wellness Coach?

Operating on the cutting edge of modern concierge medicine, a wellness or life
coach is professionally trained to help you accomplish health and optimal well-being
through hormone optimization, nutrition, detoxification, oxygenation and stress
reduction. The Institute’s coaching team includes board certified genetic counselors,
psychologists, nutritionists and licensed wellness/life coaches. Every Coach is
backed by a team of physicians and healthcare professionals who are dedicated
to helping you achieve your goals.

Like any great coach, the coaches at the Institute are interested in developing a
long-term relationship with you by becoming a partner in your journey toward optimal
health. Every team member is an expert at helping their clients change their
behavior and form healthy habits that last. They also understand that each individual
is unique, and what works for others may not be your best option. The coaching
team helps you develop an individualized action plan that may include:

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• Guidance for meal planning

• Creating a fitness plan that you enjoy rather than one you simply sweat through

• Developing shopping lists for nutritious and healthy recipes that include your

               favorite foods

• Recommending technology that will help you reach your goals, such as

               diagnostic studies to examine your genetic risk factors for disease

• Information and expert recommendations regarding new supplements or diet

               plans that may or may not benefit your health
 

Data scientists works closely with your coach to analyze your data real-time,
formulate next steps to keep you on track and ensure ongoing support that includes
holding you accountable for your choices. The hands-on approach and professional
background also equip the coaching team and their clients with invaluable
connections to other specialists in the Bay Area when necessary.

Dr. Ball works closely with your medical team and may recommend specific lab tests
that help measure your current health status. She also has a team of clinicians and
researchers at her disposal that are experts at analyzing your diagnostics, biometrics
and scheduling follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.