Healthcare Navigation
Where do you turn when you are faced with a new diagnosis? What do your test results mean? What questions do you ask your provider? How do you best map out your treatment plan?
These are important questions & issues and yet, understanding the complicated health care system can be confusing, overwhelming and impersonal.
NorthStar offers strategic and compassionate guidance for you and your family.
CLARIFY
Understand diagnoses and interpret laboratory & diagnostic tests
REVIEW
Evaluate prescriptions & medications to be sure there are no conflicts
RESEARCH
Explore the full spectrum of diagnoses, treatment options, clinical trials and second opinions
RECOMMEND
Offer suggestions for alternative therapies or modalities, if applicable
Guiding patients and caregivers to make informed decisions for their health care.
With a patient-centered, professional approach, we strive to improve each client’s health outcome by helping them obtain, process, and understand the information needed to make informed health decisions and mapping out a well-defined path towards purposeful care.
Collaboration & Partnership
Complementing Amy’s two-plus decades as a Physician Assistant, she is compassionate, resourceful and organized. A detail-oriented professional with an extensive working medical knowledge, Amy sifts through information and prioritizes care needs. Her skill set is ideal for advising you and your family as you try to comprehend and plan your care. Her collaborative approach begins with key elements:
Hourly consultations, prorated as needed after the first meeting
Assessment and prioritization of needs
Accessible ongoing guidance and collaboration
Cancer Patient • Massachusetts
“Amy was a trusted ally and advocate for me during my thyroid cancer journey. Over the course of several years, from initial detection, monitoring and testing, to surgery, Amy was a supportive, caring and empathetic medical professional. She helped to analyze and interpret lab results and tests in order to better understand my diagnosis. She connected me with top surgeons and endocrinologists in the Boston area, and was a reassuring presence during my pre-operative visit, asking complex questions to help me better understand my options. One of Amy’s gifts is her ability to take a deep dive into your medical history and diagnosis. She is patient, compassionate, inquisitive and above all thoughtful in her approach to helping navigate complex medical cases. We have turned to Amy for support and advice over the course of several years and give her our highest recommendation.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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A healthcare navigator is a professional advisor who guides a client through the healthcare system, helping communicate with providers, minimizing stress and maximizing your understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options. As your healthcare navigator, we focus on patient empowerment. We support, guide and inform. We do not diagnose or treat.
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No, healthcare navigation services are not covered by insurance.
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Accompanying you to your appointments is an option, determined on a case-by-case basis and can be done virtually as well.
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We assist with preparing questions in advance of important appointments with your providers. Studies show that patients who are well-prepared with thoughtful questions leave an appointment with greater satisfaction.
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Health literacy refers to your ability to understand terminology related to your healthcare so you can make informed decisions. You and your family may have difficulty retaining health information provided during a stressful or unfamiliar situation. As your healthcare navigator, we clarify complicated medical terminology to help you better understand your medical circumstances.