Ask The Patient Advocate

Have you ever been told your symptoms are “just stress” or “all in your head”?Do you feel exhausted, dismissed, or emotionally worn down from navigating chronic illness?What if your mind and body weren’t working against you — but trying to protect you?In this episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli is joined by Destiny Davis, Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor, and host of the Chronic Illness Therapist Podcast, for a powerful conversation about chronic illness, medical trauma, and the mind-body connection.Destiny specializes in supporting people living with chronic illness, chronic pain, medical trauma, and conditions that are often misunderstood or dismissed. Together, they explore why so many patients feel unheard in the healthcare system — and how trauma-informed, compassionate care can help patients feel grounded, validated, and empowered again.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the mind-body connection is often misunderstood — and why it’s not about blaming patientsWhat medical trauma really looks like (including what didn’t happen, but should have)How chronic illness uncertainty impacts mental and emotional well-beingWhat Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) truly means — and why acceptance is not giving upHow somatic experiencing helps people reconnect with their bodies safelyA practical tool (the A.C.E. method) for navigating hopelessness, dismissal, and emotional overwhelmWhy validation, values, and support are essential parts of healing — even without clear answersThis conversation is for anyone living with chronic illness, waiting for a diagnosis, recovering from medical gaslighting, or supporting someone on a long and exhausting health journey.💙 You are not broken.💙 Your symptoms are real.💙 And you don’t have to navigate this alone.Join Destiny’s conference on March 6-7 in Atlanta, GA. More details here https://www.chronicillnesstherapists.com/If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Destiny Davis:The Chronic Illness Therapistshttps://www.thechronicillnesstherapist.com/https://changingtides.sessionshealth.com/https://www.instagram.com/the.chronicillnesstherapistsConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What happens when a rare cancer goes undiagnosed for too long? How can a patient advocate make a difference in the fight for proper care?In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli shares her firsthand experience navigating the complexities of the healthcare system after her brother’s battle with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). From delayed diagnoses and medical errors to miscommunication between specialists, she exposes the challenges that so many patients face—especially with rare diseases.Joined by Christine from the Pathway Patient Advocates team, they break down:✅ Why rare cancers like cholangiocarcinoma are often misdiagnosed✅ How medical miscommunication can delay treatment✅ The critical role of private patient advocates in ensuring proper care✅ Practical advice for families navigating complex diagnosesIf you or a loved one is facing a rare or serious illness, you don’t have to do it alone. This episode is packed with insights, strategies, and resources to empower you on your healthcare journey.Tune in to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever wondered how nutrition can impact your journey with chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? How can diet play a role in managing symptoms like fatigue, pain, and digestive issues? In this episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, we sit down with Registered Dietitian and EDS expert, Katie Mednick. Katie not only brings professional expertise but also has firsthand experience living with EDS. We dive deep into her personal health journey, the connection between EDS and nutrition, and how she helps clients optimize their diets to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.Join us as we explore the misconceptions surrounding diet and chronic illness, the importance of anti-inflammatory foods, and practical first steps for those looking to improve their health through nutrition. If you're navigating a complex condition like EDS, this episode is packed with insights that could make a real difference in how you approach your daily nutrition and well-being.Tune in to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Katieedsnutrition@gmail.comInstagram: @edsnutritionhttps://edsnutrition.com/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever opened a letter from your insurance company only to find out they denied your claim? Did you wonder, “Now what? Am I stuck with this bill?” Or maybe you felt overwhelmed by the confusing appeals process and weren’t sure where to turn.In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Brelli sits down with Christine, a member of the Pathway team, to demystify the world of insurance claim denials. Together, they break down why claims often get denied, the steps you can take to appeal, and how a private patient advocate can step in to fight on your behalf.You’ll hear real-life stories of patients who turned denials into approvals, practical advice for what to do the moment you receive that dreaded letter, and reassurance that a “no” from your insurance company isn’t the end of the road.If you’ve ever felt lost in the maze of medical bills and insurance red tape, this episode is packed with hope, clarity, and actionable next steps.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever wondered what could happen if a doctor misreads a test result? Or if a medication change never gets communicated? Or if an important follow-up simply slips through the cracks?Medical errors happen far more often than most people realize and the consequences can be life-changing. But the good news is this: many of these errors can be caught early, and patients don’t have to navigate that risk alone.In this powerful episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli is joined by assistant patient advocate and experienced physician associate Katelyn Klitzke, who brings years of clinical experience from Mayo Clinic and MinuteClinic. Together, they break down why medical errors remain such a widespread problem and how private patient advocacy offers an essential layer of protection in today’s complex healthcare system.You’ll learn: ✔️ What “medical errors” actually include — and why they’re more common than you think ✔️ How medication errors happen during transitions of care (and how advocates catch them) ✔️ Why rushed appointments, staffing shortages, and fragmented communication increase risks ✔️ The exact ways a patient advocate prevents mistakes, from reviewing records to tracking results ✔️ Real-life examples of errors caught before they caused harm ✔️ The #1 thing every patient should start doing today to protect themselvesMedical errors may be one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., but they don’t have to define your healthcare experience. With the right support, patients and families can stay informed, protected, and prepared no matter how complex the system becomes.If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, Pathway Patient Advocates is here to help you review your records, communicate with providers, and ensure nothing important gets missed. You don’t have to navigate the healthcare system alone.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Take control of your healthcare journey with confidence.✨ Enroll today in our Patient Advocacy Course and learn how to speak up, stay organized, and make informed decisions about your care or your loved one’s.👉 Visit https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/ to get started.Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Welcome to our very first Ask the Patient Advocate episode! In this episode, we explore how patient advocates assist in navigating the healthcare system, from reviewing medical records for errors and gaps in care to improving communication with healthcare providers. Whether it's understanding treatment options, arranging second opinions, or advocating for patient rights, our aim is to empower patients to take control of their healthcare decisions.Additionally, we address the often-overlooked challenges of coordinating care and managing insurance and billing issues.Tune in to learn more about the vital role of patient advocates and how we can support you on your healthcare journey.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395!Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Does the new year make you want a fresh start with your health?Are you feeling motivated — but also overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure where to begin?What if this could be the year you finally stopped navigating your healthcare journey alone?In this episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and team member Christine explore why the start of a new year is such a powerful moment to reset, reflect, and take control of your health — especially if you’re living with chronic illness, ongoing symptoms, or a complex diagnosis like cancer.The “new year, new you” message can feel inspiring… but it can also feel heavy when you’ve been struggling to get answers, juggling appointments, or feeling dismissed by the healthcare system. That’s where private patient advocacy can change everything.In this conversation, you’ll learn: • Why the new year naturally sparks reflection and motivation around health • Why navigating the healthcare system alone is so overwhelming — even for healthcare professionals • What a private patient advocate really does, and how they differ from insurance-based advocates • How advocacy provides expertise, navigation, and emotional support — all in one place • What it truly means to have someone “stand by your side” through appointments, records, results, and decisions • Why now is the ideal time to bring in an advocate and build a strong foundation for the year aheadMost importantly, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to have a perfect plan, organized records, or all the answers to get started. You just need to take the first step.✨ If this is the year you want clarity, support, and confidence in your healthcare journey — Pathway Patient Advocates is here to help.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Take control of your healthcare journey with confidence.✨ Enroll today in our Patient Advocacy Course and learn how to speak up, stay organized, and make informed decisions about your care or your loved one’s.👉 Visit https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/ to get started.Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Do you know what’s actually written in your medical records? Have you ever wondered whether the information your doctors rely on is accurate, updated, or even complete? And what could happen if it isn’t?Most patients never think to review their medical records, or they assume it’s too confusing, too overwhelming, or simply unnecessary. But in today’s healthcare system, where studies show that up to 80% of records contain errors, overlooking them can lead to misdiagnoses, missed follow-up appointments, duplicate testing, and even dangerous treatment mistakes.In this episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli is joined by Katelyn Klitzke, assistant patient advocate and former physician associate at Mayo Clinic, to break down why reviewing your medical records is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your health.Together, Elena and Katelyn unpack: ✔️ Why your medical records are more than documents,  they’re your health story ✔️ The most common errors found in medical charts (and why they matter) ✔️ What “gaps in care” are and how they put patients at risk ✔️ How organized medical records transform communication with your providers ✔️ Why record reviews are critical for second opinions, chronic conditions, and complex care ✔️ How patient advocates can retrieve, review, organize, and correct your records so nothing gets missedWhether you're managing multiple specialists, facing a new diagnosis, or simply trying to understand your own health better, this episode will help you see your medical records in a whole new way and empower you to take control of your care.If you've ever felt confused or overwhelmed by your records, you're not alone and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Pathway Patient Advocates is here to help you understand the data that drives your healthcare, so you can make confident, informed decisions every step of the way.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Take control of your healthcare journey with confidence.✨ Enroll today in our Patient Advocacy Course and learn how to speak up, stay organized, and make informed decisions about your care or your loved one’s.👉 Visit https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/ to get started.

What helps people find meaning after a life-changing diagnosis?How do you stay present when fear threatens to take over?And can creativity truly become a path to healing?In this deeply inspiring episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with author, artist, mother of four, and 28-year breast cancer survivor Olga Tomaszewski — a woman whose story radiates resilience, faith, and transformation.Olga shares how sculpting, painting, and writing became more than creative outlets — they became lifelines. Through fear, uncertainty, motherhood, and healing, art helped her reconnect with herself, find her voice, and ultimately become the hope she once searched for during her own diagnosis.Together, Elena and Olga explore: ✔️ How creativity can bring peace, reflection, and emotional healing ✔️ What it’s like to navigate breast cancer as a young mother ✔️ How faith and inner guidance shaped Olga’s journey ✔️ Why finding meaning after illness is possible — and powerful ✔️ What Olga wants every newly diagnosed person to know ✔️ The inspiration behind her books, including Be Still: Healing One Moment at a TimeThis episode is a reminder that healing is not just physical — it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal. Olga’s courage and honesty offer comfort, connection, and the reassurance that no one walks their journey alone.If you’re facing a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply searching for meaning during difficult seasons, this conversation will uplift your spirit and strengthen your heart.✨ Explore Olga’s books, community, and upcoming work: — For Women’s Sake (Facebook community) — understandingthehumanexperience.com✨ Explore Pathway Patient Advocates’ self-advocacy courses to support your own healthcare journey: pathwaypa.com/pathwaycoursesRemember — navigating your health can be overwhelming,But it’s a lot better when we go through it together.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Olga Tomaszewski:https://www.understandingthehumanexperience.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-tomaszewski-4482572bahttps://www.facebook.com/dee.andrea.3/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com