Ask The Patient Advocate

Have you ever wondered if your DNA could hold the key to better healthcare? Heard of genetic testing but unsure if it’s right for you—or how it even works? Curious about precision medicine but confused by all the buzzwords?In this enlightening episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine break down everything you need to know about genetic testing and precision medicine—from what it is, to who it’s for, to how it can potentially change the course of a diagnosis or treatment plan.🔍 In this episode, we’ll explore:What genetic testing actually is (and what it isn’t)How precision medicine tailors treatment to your unique DNAThe risks and limitations you should consider before testingWhat to do with results that leave you with more questions than answersHow a private patient advocate can help you access, understand, and act on genetic insights✨ Whether you're managing a rare disease, facing unanswered medical questions, or just want to take a more proactive role in your care—this episode is your roadmap to understanding the power (and complexity) of personalized medicine.🎧 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

Ever wonder why every person in the hospital seems to wear a white coat—but no one explains who they actually are?Is your doctor an MD or a DO? What’s a resident? A fellow? And who exactly is managing your care?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine unpack one of the most confusing parts of navigating the healthcare system: understanding the titles and roles of your medical team. Whether you're seeing a physician, nurse practitioner, resident, or fellow—it’s not always clear who’s doing what. And that lack of clarity can impact your confidence and your care.🔍 You’ll walk away knowing:The real difference between MDs, DOs, PAs, and NPsWhat residents, interns, and fellows actually doWhy titles don’t always reflect experienceHow to politely ask, “Who are you, and what’s your role?”Why private patient advocates are essential to keeping your care team aligned🩺 You deserve to know exactly who’s making decisions about your health—and how to stay informed 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) 517-8395Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever opened a medical bill and thought, "Wait…what am I even paying for?"Or worse, did you feel too overwhelmed to question it and just pay for it anyway?You’re not alone. In this eye-opening episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine pull back the curtain on the confusing (and often flawed) world of medical billing. Whether you’ve been overcharged, billed twice, or denied by insurance for something your doctor said you needed, this episode is packed with real-world solutions.They break down the most common billing errors, explain how to fight back, and share a few jaw-dropping stories—including the man who was billed for a hysterectomy he never had. (Yes, really.)🔎 In this episode, you’ll learn:The top 3 medical billing errors and how to spot themWhat to do if your insurance denies a claimHow duplicate billing happens more than you thinkReal success stories where patients saved thousandsWhy it’s always worth fighting a bill you don’t understand💡 If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or burned by the billing system—this episode is your roadmap to getting answers and saving money.🎧 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

What if your symptoms were dismissed as “just hemorrhoids”—but turned out to be cancer? What would you do if you were diagnosed at 34 with stage 3 rectal cancer while raising three young kids?In this moving episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, we sit down with Melissa Groff, a mother of three and fierce advocate who shares the raw, real, and incredibly inspiring journey through her colorectal cancer diagnosis.From subtle symptoms that were brushed off, to a fight for answers, and now, to a mission of spreading awareness—Melissa opens up about what it’s like to live, heal, and thrive with cancer in your 30s. She shares how she blended conventional and holistic care, how she kept a positive mindset through chemotherapy and surgeries, and the powerful lessons she’s now using to help others.💡 Whether you’re navigating your own diagnosis, advocating for a loved one, or just want to understand the signs of colorectal cancer—this is the episode you’ll want to share.🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Melissa’s symptoms were initially dismissed—and why she kept pushing for answersWhat it’s like navigating cancer treatment as a young momHow she combined Western medicine with naturopathic therapiesThe power of patient-led advocacy in early detectionPractical advice for anyone feeling unheard or overwhelmed by the healthcare system🛑 Don’t wait until it’s too late. Your body is always telling you something—Melissa’s story is your reminder to listen.🎧 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 Melissa,https://www.instagram.com/loveitandshareConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What exactly does a private patient advocate do? Can they really help with bills, insurance appeals, and getting a second opinion? Are these services covered by insurance—or is it all out of pocket?If you’ve ever had those questions (or a dozen more), this special Q&A episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast is for you. To celebrate 5 years of Pathway Patient Advocates and 1 year of the podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine went live on Instagram and answered real questions from followers and listeners.🎉 It’s been five years of walking alongside patients—and we’re just getting started.📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ What private patient advocates actually do✔️ How we support families and patients through complex health journeys✔️ What your rights are as a patient—and how to advocate for them✔️ How to fight denied insurance claims and make sense of medical bills✔️ Why second (and third!) opinions are so important✔️ When and how to ask for help without feeling overwhelmed💬 Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, caring for a loved one, or just feeling lost in the healthcare system—this episode is filled with real answers and real support.Tune into 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

Still not feeling like yourself after COVID? Are doctors telling you everything looks "normal," but you know your body isn’t? How do you even start recovering when there’s no clear path?In this powerful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli is joined by two incredible guests who are changing the game for long COVID recovery — Katie Brennan, healthcare economist, long COVID patient, and co-founder of ThriveNinety, and Andrea Henkel Burke, Olympic champion and expert in recovery, training, and energy management.Together, they break down:✔️ Why so many long COVID patients feel dismissed or misunderstood✔️ The reality of lingering symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, heart rate spikes, and post-exertional crashes✔️ How an athlete’s approach to recovery can actually help long COVID patients✔️ Tools, strategies, and simple daily practices to support your healing journey✔️ Why recovery isn’t linear — and why that’s okayIf you or someone you love is struggling with long COVID, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and most importantly — hope.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 Andrea Henkel Burke and Katie Brennan:https://www.thriveninety.com/https://www.instagram.com/thriveninetyhttps://www.facebook.com/thriveninety/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What if your diagnosis is wrong? How do you know if your doctor’s treatment plan is the best option? When is it time to seek a second opinion—and how do you find the right specialist?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine dive into the importance of second opinions in healthcare. Too often, patients accept a diagnosis or treatment plan without realizing they have options. A second opinion can provide new insights, better treatment choices, and even catch misdiagnoses before it’s too late.🔍 What You’ll Learn:✔️ When to consider getting a second opinion✔️ How to find the right specialist for your condition✔️ What questions to ask during a second opinion consultation✔️ How insurance handles second opinions (and what to do if they won’t cover it)✔️ The role of patient advocates in helping you navigate this process🏥 Your health is too important to leave to chance. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask more questions—and we’ll show you how.Tune into 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 received a medical bill that seemed too high? Has your insurance ever denied a claim for something your doctor ordered? What if we told you that you don’t always have to pay the full amount?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine uncover the hidden truths behind medical billing, why insurance companies deny claims, and how you can fight back to avoid overpaying.🔍 What You’ll Learn:✔️ Common reasons insurance claims get denied (and how to fix them)✔️ How to appeal a medical bill and win✔️ Why billing errors happen and how to spot them✔️ What to do if you don’t have insurance and get a huge bill✔️ How private patient advocates can handle the process for you💰 Don’t pay that medical bill just yet! There’s a good chance you’re being charged incorrectly, and we’ll show you how to challenge it.Tune into 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