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
I can guide you through your insurance and medical bills so you know exactly what to expect, including:
• Copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket costs
• HSA/FSA rules and out-of-network coverage
• Getting pre-approvals and filing claims when a provider doesn’t take your insurance
• Reading your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
• Appealing denied claims
• Working with billing offices to fix errors, lower bills, and apply for financial aid or payment plans
we simplify
Healthcare Literacy
I simplify complex medical information so you can make confident decisions about your care, including:
• Explaining diagnoses, treatment options, side effects, and long-term care needs in plain language
• Walking you through Medicare, Medi-Cal, and Medicare Advantage — how each works, what’s covered, and the trade-offs for your situation
• Understanding informed consent and preparing the right questions for your care team
• Finding the right care, second opinions, and treatment options
• Checking 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. I help with:
• Getting clear explanations and asking questions
• Receiving respectful care and accurate billing
• Sensitive decisions like DNR orders, refusing treatment, and advance directives — always respecting your cultural values
• HIPAA 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, I provide language support in English, Hindi, Kannada, and Tamil, and help you find the right provider. For families from cultures where questioning doctors is uncommon, I 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 I’m here to make them easier:
• Preparing you for doctor appointments — what to ask, what to bring, how to understand your doctor’s explanations
• Slowing the conversation down when needed
• Organizing appointments, tests, and medications so nothing is missed
• 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. I will guide you step by step, explaining how the system works, who to contact, and what to expect next. I 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.