Ask The Patient Advocate

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

Why is pelvic pain so often dismissed? Why does it take years for patients to receive an endometriosis diagnosis? And what can you do if you’re not getting the answers—or the care—you need?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Dr. Romeo Lucas, a board-certified gynecologist and founder of the New England Center of Pelvic Health. With a comprehensive, patient-centered approach, Dr. Lucas is changing the way pelvic pain and endometriosis are treated.🔍 What You’ll Learn:✔️ Why endometriosis is often misdiagnosed (or completely overlooked)✔️ The biggest challenges in diagnosing and treating pelvic pain✔️ How a long-term, holistic approach can make all the difference✔️ What to do if your doctor isn’t taking your pain seriously✔️ How to advocate for yourself and find the right specialist💡 If you've ever felt unheard by the medical system, this episode is for you. Your pain is real, and there are providers who will listen.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. Romeo Lucas:New England Center for Pelvic Health https://newenglandcenterforpelvichealth.com/romeolucas@necph.comConnect 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

Have you ever felt dismissed by doctors? Are you struggling with unexplained symptoms and countless medical visits without answers? How do you advocate for yourself when no one seems to listen?In this powerful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Laura Cherry shares her journey navigating multiple complex medical conditions—including idiopathic intracranial hypertension, POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), dysautonomia, and endometriosis. After years of misdiagnoses and medical roadblocks, Laura finally found the right doctors and support system, proving that persistence and advocacy can change lives.Episode Highlights:✅ The biggest barriers to getting a proper diagnosis✅ How medical bias leads to misdiagnosis and delays in care✅ Why self-advocacy is critical for rare and complex conditions✅ The role of private patient advocates in navigating the healthcare system✅ Practical tips for finding the right specialists, preparing for appointments, and asking the rightIf you or a loved one are facing similar struggles, know that you are not alone. Tune in now for expert insights, practical strategies, and hope for a better quality of life!Join us as we explore the challenges of living with POTS, the importance of advocacy in healthcare, and the transformative power of the right support.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

What exactly is a private patient advocate? How do they differ from hospital or insurance advocates? Can they really help with medical bills, misdiagnoses, and navigating complex healthcare decisions?If you've ever struggled to get the right medical care, felt lost in a sea of insurance paperwork, or needed support through a challenging diagnosis, this episode is for you. Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine from Pathway Patient Advocates answer real listener questions about what patient advocacy truly means—and how it can change lives.🔍 In this episode, we cover:✅ What a private patient advocate does (and what they don’t do)✅ How they help with medical bills, insurance appeals, and billing errors✅ The difference between private and hospital/insurance patient advocates✅ How to navigate misdiagnoses, second opinions, and finding the right doctor✅ Why private advocacy can be the key to getting timely, life-saving care🎧 Listen now and take control of your healthcare journey—because being prepared can make all the difference.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

What if you couldn’t speak for yourself in a medical emergency? Would doctors have the right information to treat you safely?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine from Pathway Patient Advocates reveal a simple but lifesaving tool that far too many people overlook—the Medical Profile Summary. This one-to-three-page document compiles your most critical medical information, ensuring that doctors, emergency responders, and specialists have the details they need when every second counts.Tune in as we discuss:✅ What is a Medical Profile Summary?✅ Why hospitals don’t always have accurate or up-to-date records✅ How missing or incorrect information can lead to medical errors✅ Where to store your Medical Profile Summary for easy access✅ How to create one that’s clear, concise, and truly useful🚨 Don’t wait for an emergency to realize you need this! If you want expert help creating a customized Medical Profile Summary, contact Pathway Patient Advocates today!🎧 Listen now and take control of your healthcare journey—because being prepared can make all the difference.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