Services
At Ishta Patient Advocacy, we support individuals and families across Silicon Valley, California, and the U.S., helping you understand your diagnosis, explore treatment options, and navigate health insurance. We partner with you and your healthcare team to stay informed, prepared, and confident—especially when healthcare matters most.
we explain
Insurance & Billing
We can guide you through your insurance and medical bills so you know exactly what to expect. This includes understanding copays, deductibles, coinsurance, out-of-pocket costs, HSA/FSA rules, and out-of-network coverage. We help you get pre-approvals, file claims when a provider doesn’t take your insurance, and read your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). If a claim is denied, we guide you through the appeal process. We also work with billing offices to resolve errors, lower hospital bills, and apply for financial aid or payment plans.
we simplify
Healthcare Literacy
We simplify complex medical information so you can make confident decisions about your care. This includes explaining diagnoses, treatment options, possible side effects, and long-term care needs in clear, simple language. We also guide you through Medicare, Medi-Cal, and Medicare Advantage options by helping you understand how each plan works, what they cover, and the pros and cons based on your unique health and financial situation. We help you understand informed consent and offer the right questions to ask your care team, ensuring you feel supported and fully prepared at every step of your healthcare journey. We help you find the right care, explore second opinions and treatment options, lower medical costs, and understand whether clinical trials might be right for you.
we advocate
Patient Rights Support
Many South Asian patients don’t realize they have strong rights in the U.S. healthcare system. We explain your rights, including getting clear explanations, asking questions, receiving respectful care, and obtaining accurate billing. We guide you through sensitive decisions such as DNR orders, refusing treatment, and creating advance directives, always respecting your cultural values and preferences. We also assist with HIPAA-related questions so you can access the care information you or your loved ones need.
we connect
Communication & Cultural Support
Communication and cultural differences can make healthcare challenging. If English is not your first language, we provide language support and help you find the right provider. For families from cultures where questioning doctors is uncommon, we help you speak up, ask important questions, and advocate for yourself and your loved ones.
we facilitate
Healthcare Visit Support
Healthcare visits can be stressful, and we’re here to make them easier. We prepare you for doctor appointments by explaining what to ask, what to bring, and how to understand your doctor’s explanations. We help slow the conversation down when needed and make sure you leave the visit feeling informed and confident. We also help organize appointments, tests, and medications so nothing is missed, and provide extra support during hospital stays or medical emergencies.
we guide
Navigating the U.S. Healthcare System
For newcomers, navigating the U.S. healthcare system can feel overwhelming. We guide you step by step, explaining how the system works, who to contact, and what to expect next. We can be your point person, speaking with providers and offices on your behalf so you don’t have to handle every phone call or form.