Frequently Asked Questions

  • A patient advocate helps you navigate the confusing healthcare system and get the care you need. Think of them as your personal guide through doctor visits, insurance issues, and medical decisions.

    Why You Might Need One
    Healthcare today can be:

    • Overwhelming with complicated paperwork and rules

    • Frustrating when you can't get answers

    • Unfair, with some people getting better care than others

    How Dr. Ash Helps
    As both a former surgeon and a patient herself, Dr. Ash understands the system from all sides. She:

    • Explains medical terms in plain language

    • Helps you get the right treatments faster

    • Stands up for your needs with doctors and insurance companies

    • Gives you the confidence to make your own health decisions

    In short: She makes sure you're heard, understood, and gets the care you deserve.

  • A patient advocate is your personal guide through the healthcare system. Here’s exactly how we can support you:

    1. Decode Your Medical Records

    • We review your test results, doctor’s notes, and medical history

    • Explain everything in plain language—no confusing jargon

    • Help you understand what it all means for your next steps

    2. Find the Right Specialist—Fast

    • Match you with top doctors for your specific condition

    • Save you hours of research and dead-end referrals

    • Recommend hospitals known for excellence in your needed care

    3. Make Sense of Your Diagnosis & Treatment

    • Break down complex medical information into clear options

    • Research the latest treatments so you can make informed choices

    • Help you weigh risks/benefits of different approaches

    4. Get You Organized & Prepared

    • Create customized questions and discussion points for doctor visits

    • Help summarize key takeaways after appointments

    • Keep all your medical info in one place for easy access

    5. Teach You to Be Your Own Best Advocate

    • Show you how to navigate insurance and medical systems

    • Share insider tips for getting the care you deserve

    • Build your confidence in managing your health journey

    Bottom Line: We take the stress out of healthcare so you can focus on getting better—not battling the system.

  • No, I'm not your physician—but I am your expert guide. Here's how I help differently:

    What I DO:
    ✔ Explain your diagnosis in clear terms
    ✔ Help you understand test results and treatment options
    ✔ Teach you how to discuss concerns effectively with your doctors
    ✔ Recommend specialists when needed (you choose who to see)

    What I DON'T DO:
    ✖ Physical exams or diagnostics
    ✖ Prescribe medications or treatments
    ✖ Order tests (though we'll suggest questions to ask about testing)
    ✖ Replace your medical team

    Think of me as your healthcare translator and empowerment coach—giving you the knowledge and confidence to partner with your doctors.

  • Yes - with your permission, I can:

    • Help explain your concerns to your care team
    • Clarify medical information on your behalf
    • Facilitate productive discussions about your treatment plan

    Important Notes:
    ✓ Requires your signed consent (HIPAA authorization)
    ✓ Always done in collaboration with you - you remain in control
    ✓ Goal is to improve understanding between you and your providers

    Think of me as your medical liaison - bridging the communication gap while keeping you at the center of all decisions.

  • No - currently, health insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid) does not cover private patient advocacy services. This includes:

    • Commercial health plans
    • Government healthcare programs
    • Employer-sponsored insurance

    What This Means For You:
    ✓ You pay directly for services (we provide clear pricing upfront)
    ✓ We focus on delivering value that saves you time, money and stress long-term

    While not insurance-billable, our guidance often helps reduce unnecessary medical costs and improves care efficiency.

  • At Sideline MD, we offer flexible pricing to make advocacy accessible:

    Payment Structures:

    • Hourly Rate: Ideal for single consultations or specific questions

    • Flat Fee: Better value for complex, ongoing cases (custom-quoted)

    We Believe Money Shouldn't Block Care:
    • Sliding scale discounts available
    • Income-based fee reductions
    • Case-by-case financial accommodations

    Transparent Pricing:
    While costs vary by case complexity, we'll always:
    ✓ Provide clear estimates upfront
    ✓ Discuss all payment options
    ✓ Find a solution that works for your situation

    Contact us for specific rate information - we're committed to working with your budget.

Dr. Ash’s Blog

Important Disclaimer

Please note that while I am a licensed physician, I am not your personal doctor. The content provided here—including articles, resources, and any linked materials—is for general informational purposes only.

Key Limitations to Understand:

  • This content does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

  • I cannot provide personalized diagnoses, second opinions, or treatment plans

  • Information here is not a substitute for professional medical care

If You Need Medical Attention:
✔ Consult your own healthcare provider for personal advice
✔ Call 911 or seek emergency care for urgent medical issues
✔ Never delay treatment based on information you read online

My goal is to educate and inform—not to replace the essential doctor-patient relationship. Always prioritize direct medical guidance from your treating providers.

Benefits of walking - an update for 2024
Jennifer Ash Jennifer Ash

Benefits of walking - an update for 2024

On the eve of Champaign-Urbana’s first Walk with a Doc, I stumbled upon this really nice article in Prevention that breaks down 15 benefits of walking. Take a look…

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Featured on Access Health, Lifetime TV
Advancing Awareness in Women’s Vascular Health

Dr. Ash appeared on Access Health with Ereka Vetrini to discuss abdominal aortic aneurysms—often called the “silent killer”—and the critical gaps in treatment for women. The segment highlighted how anatomical differences have historically limited surgical options for female patients, as well as emerging innovations like the Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System that are expanding life-saving access to care. Through expert insight, Dr. Ash helped bring attention to risk factors, early detection, and evolving treatment strategies that are improving outcomes for patients.