Dr. Angie Ingraham Finds Her Medical True North   

 
Are you a medical patient, drowning in more questions for which you have no answers? Maybe, under the circumstances, you can’t even think of pertinent questions to ask. Or, have you been given a Medical Power of Attorney for Healthcare (a/k/a Attorney-In-Fact or Proxy) by your elderly parent, a spouse or friend, someone counting on you to make good decisions on their behalf?  In either case, you may be confronted with a complicated diagnosis, insurance claims, mystifying bills and even legal questions.
 
Dr. Angie Ingraham, whose qualifications include M.D., M.S. M.B.A. F.A.C,S., was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of The Rotary Club of Madison West Middleton. Not so long ago, physician Angie Ingraham found herself walking in the shoes of many of her patients and their families. Angie’s father was diagnosed with an “aggressive form of brain cancer in 2021,” which eventually took his life. As she said, and later wrote: “Our family was thrown into the true chaos of the healthcare system. It included facing insurance denials, looking for second and third opinions, managing complications, juggling appointments and treatments, and coordinating transitions between the hospital, rehab centers and home. On top of it all, there were emotional challenges and end-of-life paperwork, leading to some of the hardest conversations ever had with my dad and among ourselves.” 

While Angie had an educated understanding of her father’s medical diagnosis, the family still found itself enmeshed in some of the system’s other complexities and frustrations. Because of her lived experiences, Angie, the former trauma surgeon and critical care physician, became an independent Board-Certified Patient Advocate and founded True North Patient Advocates. Angie is “dedicated to ensuring no one faces healthcare uncertainty alone.”  

Angie Ingraham’s handouts outlined “expert-backed healthcare navigation services” offered through True North. They include the following:

  • Help clients understand the diagnosis and treatment options;

  • Prepare and go with clients to their appointments;

  • Coordinate care and communication between providers and one’s support team;

  • Facilitate transitions between hospital, rehab and home. 

  • Personalized Record Review;

  • Finding sources for second and third opinions, where desired;

  • Advance care planning to include establishing Healthcare Powers of Attorney, living wills and end of life and hospice care planning.

More Thoughts from Angie:

1. You are the consumer. Be your own best advocate. Speak up; Ask questions; Explore your options, and Make sure you are comfortable before saying yes.

2. Build your own team, which may include your doctor(s), nurses, pharmacist, lawyer and financial advisor.

3. When you go to an appointment, take someone with you, who will take notes. Both of you need to listen closely and stay focused.

4. It is okay to ask for a second opinion!

5. Always be prepared, but flexible! At times a virtual appointment may make sense, where it isn’t necessary to be there in person. Wait Listing might work to your advantage.

As Angie concluded her presentation, she quoted from a book by Health Care Industry Reporter Marshall Allen, entitled “Never Pay the First Bill.” The publisher is Penguin Random House. The title of the book appeared to be Angie’s advice, as well.

Angie Ingraham and True North Patient Advocates offers a free, 30-minute discovery for those who are interested. They can be reached at info@truenorthpatientadvocates.com or 608-285-2223. To look at their website, go to www.truenorthpatientadvocates.com.