Who We Are
Here at INFORMED Healthcare Consultants, we are driven by a single goal; to educate and empower you so that you can make informed healthcare decisions. We will assist you with navigating the complex and fragmented healthcare system. We offer advanced care planning, phone consultations, home visits, physician visits & hospital visits. We do not provide healthcare services. We are healthcare advocates, educators, coordinators & facilitators. We will review & consider all requests as long as they are healthcare related.
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Virginia Ducote Remeny, MSN, RN, CNS
Virginia Ducote Remeny, MSN, RN, CNS is a registered nurse (RN) with 35 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings including critical care, cardiovascular care, peri-operative, clinical research & education. Virginia received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from Louisiana State University Medical Center (LSUMC) and a Master of Science degree in Cardiovascular Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a strong patient advocate who loves to help others. She enjoys interacting with and educating patients, particularly the elderly. With extensive experience in the field of clinical research, ensuring that the patient (or research subject) is fully informed has been a long time focus. Her passion for human subject protection was demonstrated by her 20 years of service on the Austin Multi-Institutional Review Board (AMIRB).
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Her desire to help patients and their families navigate the complex healthcare system led to the formation of INFORMED Healthcare Consultants. She believes every patient has a right to safe, timely, honest, accurate & coordinated healthcare.
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Virginia is a member of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates and has adopted the Health Advocates Code of Conduct & Professional Standards.
Rebecca Cox, MSN, RN, FNP-C
Rebecca Cox is a Registered Nurse (RN) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) with 15 years of experience in the field of Cardiology, Critical Care, Infectious Disease and Research. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Winona State University in Winona, MN in 2007 and her Masters of Science (MSN) as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Concordia University of Wisconsin in 2014 in Mequon, WI.
She has a great love of the cardiology field but with her certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner she has a great understanding of health on the continuum from birth to elderly patients.
She has worked with physicians, nurses and ancillary staff in hospital all throughout the country and has a keen eye for issues and errors that arise from medical care that the lay person often does not recognize. She believes strongly in being an advocate for her patients and speaking up for them in the most difficult and uncomfortable situations. She believes that communication is key to helping patients get safe and excellent care.
Becky has adopted the Health Advocates Code of Conduct & Professional Standards.
What We Do
Patient Advocacy Services
A patient advocate is a professional who provides services to patients and those supporting them who are navigating the complex healthcare continuum. Advocates work directly with clients (or with their legal representatives) to ensure they have a voice in their care and information to promote informed decision making. We will collaborate with your healthcare providers to ensure you get the best healthcare available. When you don't know what questions to ask, we will ask them for you.
Education Services
We believe knowledge is power. We will provide education on whatever topic you need to navigate our complex healthcare system in terms you can understand. This could be learning everything you need to know about your new diagnosis so that you can make informed treatment choices. It could be helping you to understand and track your medical bills. We will make sure you understand your rights as a patient.
Healthcare Facilitation
We provide expertise and reassurance for you. Your dedicated, private, professional health advocate will protect your right to an accurate diagnosis and optimum medical care to go with it. We can help you find the best care available. We can accompany you to medical visits as needed and provide a written summary to you or your loved ones at your direction. In the event you are hospitalized, we can be present to ensure that you get the care you deserve. We can help you find long term care you can afford or short term care you need now.
"Patient advocacy regards any activity which ultimately benefits a patient."
Trish Torrey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a patient advocate?
We work for you!
A patient advocate is someone you trust who is willing to act on your behalf & in your best interest. This could be a family member or a professional you hire. Professional patient advocates do not provide healthcare services but rather communication, documentation, education and facilitation services. They will work with the other members of your healthcare team such as doctors, therapists & nurses as needed. They will communicate with family & friends at your direction. You can utilize their services on an ongoing or an as needed basis.
Who needs a patient advocate?
Anyone can benefit from our services
Anyone who has a healthcare related need could benefit from patient advocacy services. A patient advocate can offer many services, including but not limited to;
1) Supporting you and those who care for or about you, with your healthcare needsÂ
2) Ensuring patient rights & confidentiality
3) Providing education so that you can make informed decisions
4) Conducting research regarding your medical condition, treatment options, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities
5) Represent you in the healthcare setting including emergency situations if needed
6) Advanced care planning counseling & facilitation
7) Assistance with insurance plan selection, interpreting medical claims/bills and communicating with third party payers as needed
Who pays for a patient advocate?
Hourly Rates Apply
Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover patient advocate or educator services. Therefore, the person receiving the patient advocate and/or educator services must cover the costs. Our goal is to help as many patients as possible as cost effectively as possible. Service fees vary based on the service, time & personnel required.
