Advocates
Welcome to the Bay Area Health Care Advocate’s Directory of Providers!
Each health care advocate brings a particular specialty to their practice. We invite you to look at our directory, visit our advocates’ websites, and contact those advocates you believe can respond to your particular concerns.
Stephanie Martirani, BCPA
Patient Advocate & Aging Ally – Navigating the Healthcare System & Eldercare Options with You. Adult Children with Aging Parents? Overwhelmed by a new diagnosis? Let us be there with you.
Virtual: Nationwide
In-person: Walnut Creek & vicinity
Stephanie@AgeSmartAdvocates.com
925-471-6060
Pamela Brody, BCPA
Navigation and coordination of care for Pediatrics through Adults. Medical, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Dental and Oral Surgery.
pamela@brodypatientadvocacy.com
415-350-4240
Sara C. Stephens RN, BSN, PHN
Sara is a Nurse Advocate helping patients navigate through our complex health care system. An important part of her work includes creating clinically focused Advance Directives for patients.
info@sarasmap.com
415-626-1447
Kim Mcilnay, BCPA
I advocate for medically complex clients and those with “mystery” diagnoses. I am a disabled family physician and patient myself and love using my skills as a physician to help my clients.
Virtual: Nationwide
In-Person: Sacramento, El Dorado Hills & Granite Bay
Kim@TogetherPatientAdvocates.com
916-500-4195
Not accepting new clients at this time
Scott Fraser, BCPA
Communicate w/doctors, facilities; organize medical records; research mystery diagnoses; resolve insurance/billing; obtain support services/2nd-opinions. 4 yrs experience. Chinese, French.
Scott@lamorindapatientadvocacy.com
(925) 300-6534
Raye Elaine, BCPA
Feeling overwhelmed, confused, or powerless with your healthcare? I will help you navigate the system, feel more in control, obtain safer, more effective care, and bring calm in the midst of crisis.
raye@rayeelaine.info
707-535-9941
Linda W. Garvin, RN, BSN, MSN, Health Advocate
Patient Advocate Bay Area works with clients who are managing an acute condition or multiple chronic conditions. We specialize in medical decision support, autoimmune diseases, cancer and end of life care.
Lindawgarvin@gmail.com
510-520-0186
Susan G. Lucier, Patient Navigator, Cancer Coach
I guide you from ‘panic to powerful’, to treatment options, research and recovery. UCSF, John Muir, Sutter, Mayo Clinic, Stanford – we find the best medical team and support for you. You are not alone.
Virtual: California
In-Person: Contra Costa, Alameda & San Francisco counties
susan@susanlucier.com
925-997-1707
Donna Smith, BCPA
I help reduce the confusion and stress of health insurance issues by resolving insurance billing issues, appealing denied claims, and helping clients choose a plan that meets their needs.
Virtual: Nationwide
In-Person: Placer & Sacramento counties
donna@healthcarechoices.us
916-546-8988
Melynda Ruckels, RN MSN PHN
Expert in clinical/hospital nursing: ER/ ICU, and all areas of medicine. Specialties: complicated clinical cases, cardiac, chronic and autoimmune conditions, medication reconciliation, diagnostics and Medical Cannabis.
melynda@melyndaruckels.com
916-300-1263
Andrea Rosenblume, BCPA
Assists people of all ages in navigating complicated healthcare systems, understanding diagnoses and treatments, making informed medical decisions, and providing support to patients and respite for families.
Virtual: Nationwide
In person: Sacramento, Placer & Yolo counties
andrea@healthcare-pathways.com
(916) 276-7373
Associated Patient Advocates, LLC.
We are a team of experienced medical professionals. We address multiple needs, including physician interactions, mental health, facility transitions, home care, and financial aspects of health care. For details, see our website.
Harley Schultz, MD
mypatientadvocacyinfo@gmail.com
510-531-HELP or 510-531-4357
Kathy Lord King, BCPA
We find medical or mental health care, short or long term facilities. Insurance coverage, pre-authorizations and appeals are our specialty. Experts in care coordination, we ensure that your voice is heard.
kathy@marinhealthcarenavigation.com
415-690-1495
Caryn Cochran, LCSW
Caryn is a seasoned medical social worker who assists with the added burdens of being sick, injured, or disabled: Applying for benefits and resources, medical bills, navigating the health care and insurance systems. With Caryn, patients can focus on their recovery, not the bureaucracy.
Virtual Only: California
Caryn@mattersofcare.org
(916)345-0555
Michael W. Johnson BCPA
I help people find, analyze, and choose the best care providers, especially surgeons. I navigate care, explain options, and allow clients to make more informed decisions.
Virtual: Nationwide
In Person: Sacramento, El Dorado, Amador, Placer, Nevada, Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, Solano, San Joaquin, Napa, Sonoma, Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, Santa Clara Counties, and elsewhere when possible.
Michael@choosebetter.care
916-245-8000
Lauren Wheeler, BCPA
I am a former physician who helps people get unstuck, especially if you need help diving into the research, finding help, or making sense of medical records. Let’s solve problems together!
Virtual: Nationwide
In-Person: California (Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, Mendocino, and other counties when possible)
lauren@lostcoastadvocacy.com
785-623-8751
Paige Yahya, RN, BCPA
Licensed RN that specializes in Medication Management, Medical Coordination/Provider Communication and Geriatric Care Management
Serving Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties in Northern California
Paige@streamlineadvocates.com
707-790-7125
Lynn A. Johnson, M.D.
I can help with a new or challenging diagnosis, complex medical care, decision-making, organizing medical information, and communicating with your care team.
Retired and not accepting clients
Annie Gardiner, MS, BCPA Emeritus, Co-Founder BAHCA
Speaker on racial equity in healthcare advocacy; Volunteer on BAHCA Steering Committee & Equity Leadership Team; Interested in projects that support individuals and communities with self-advocacy to improve patient outcomes.
annie@annieonyourside.com
510-325-3654
Founding Member
Retired and not accepting clients
If you need a health care advocate in other parts of the country, visit
National Association of Health Care Advocacy
Greater National Advocates
HealthAdvocateX
If you need a health care advocate in Massachusetts, visit Massachusetts Health Care Advocates.