Frequently asked questions

What is a Healthcare Advocate?

A private healthcare advocate is like your personal GPS for navigating the often confusing world of healthcare and insurance.

Unlike hospital staff or insurance representatives, a private healthcare advocate works directly for you—not the hospital, insurance company, or healthcare system. Their job is to ensure you receive the best care possible by:

• Helping you understand medical information and treatment options

• Coordinating communication between healthcare providers

• Reviewing medical bills for accuracy

• Negotiating with insurance companies

• Assisting in finding specialists

While healthcare advocates don’t provide medical care, they offer something just as valuable: peace of mind and clarity. Think of them as your translator, negotiator, and coordinator—all in one.

What will the outcome look like if I use a healthcare advocate?

The outcome depends on your personal goals and healthcare challenges.

Together, we’ll thoroughly explore your current situation and identify where you want to be. From there, we’ll map out the most effective path forward, addressing any roadblocks or challenges along the way.

While the healthcare system has its limitations, I’ll search for creative solutions and options that may not be immediately obvious. With a healthcare advocate, you gain a skilled navigator who knows the main roads and the hidden shortcuts.

What’s the difference between a discharge planner at a hospital and a Healthcare Advocate?

Discharge Planner (Hospital)

• Works for the hospital or facility

• Focuses on safely transitioning you out of the hospital (home, rehab, etc.)

• Operates under the hospital’s timeline and policies

• Ensures you have basic discharge necessities (prescriptions, follow-ups)

Healthcare Advocate (Independent)

• Works only for you

• Can challenge premature discharges if necessary

• Researches all options for your next steps, including those outside the hospital’s network

• Ensures your insurance covers recommended services before you commit

• Prepares you for the financial implications of different options

• Stays involved after discharge to help prevent readmission

Bottom line: The discharge planner’s priority is the hospital’s needs. The healthcare advocate’s priority is you.

What’s the difference between a case manager at my insurance company and a Healthcare Advocate?

Insurance Case Manager

• Works for your insurance company

• Focuses on managing your care within your insurance plan’s guidelines

• Recommendations are influenced by what’s cost-effective for the insurer

Healthcare Advocate

• Works only for you

• Can challenge insurance denials

• Helps explore options outside your network if necessary

• Ensures you understand all your options—not just the ones your insurance prefers

• Assists with appeals, billing reviews, and cost comparisons

Key difference: A case manager balances your needs with the insurance company’s interests. A healthcare advocate’s only focus is securing the best possible outcome for you.

Do you provide in-person services or is it all via computer?

We offer both in-person and virtual services, allowing you to choose what fits your needs best.

• Virtual advocacy: $70 per hour

• In-person advocacy: $100 per hour (due to travel expenses)

The choice between virtual or in-person can depend on your location, situation, and personal preferences. Let’s discuss what works best for you!

How much does it cost for Healthcare Survival Kit to be my healthcare advocate?

Advocacy services are flexible and tailored to your specific needs:

• Online advocacy sessions: $70 per hour

• In-person advocacy sessions: $100 per hour

We also offer free and paid educational content organized into independent chapters, so you can focus only on what’s relevant to your healthcare journey. Think of it like a choose-your-own-adventure guide for your health!

What experience does Kim have?

Kim brings both professional expertise and personal experience to healthcare advocacy.

Professional Background:

• Degree in Social Work

• 13 years in direct practice, including:

• Inpatient Social Worker at a Level 1 Trauma Center

• Home Health Social Worker

Personal Experience:

Kim has personally navigated the healthcare system as a:

• Daughter, mother, wife, and patient

• Advocate for her husband’s recovery after rare surgical complications

• Fighter for accurate diagnoses, appropriate treatments, and quality care

This combination of professional knowledge and lived experience allows Kim to provide empathetic, realistic, and effective support to every client.

Why Healthcare Survival Kit?

Healthcare Survival Kit stands out by blending professional healthcare navigation with practical education, empowering you to take control of your own care.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Flexible Services: Hands-on advocacy, self-paced education, or both—it’s your choice.

• On-Demand Learning: Educational content available 24/7, so you can access help even at 2 AM in the ER.

• Personal & Professional Insight: We understand healthcare both as professionals and as real people who’ve been through it ourselves.

• Affordable & Accessible: We offer both free and paid content to ensure everyone can access some level of support.

With Healthcare Survival Kit, you’re never alone in your healthcare journey.