Cathy Bowers

National Patient Advocate

Cathy F. Bowers, CP, CSA, MSA, NCG, founder and president of National Patient Advocate, Inc, helps patients, their families, and other individuals navigate through the healthcare system, advocates on their behalf, and creates personalized plans for the tough challenges that frequently accompany illness or other healthcare concerns.

When individuals are faced with healthcare challenges, there is not always the time, energy, skill, and/or knowledge to deal with all of the emotional and practical issues that may arise, such as medical care and treatment, end-of-life decisions, insurance, finances, family dynamics, and more. Retaining the support and guidance of Cathy in her multiple roles as patient advocate, guardian, mediator, and care manager helps to minimize the burden from the patient who instead should be focusing on his or her recovery.

Cathy’s entrepreneurial, corporate, and nonprofit experience are key factors that contribute to successful outcomes for her clients. Her vast knowledge of community, social service, and political resources allows Cathy to offer a range of options for individuals/families to help reach their goals. She understands the challenges of the healthcare system from the provider and consumer perspective, thereby enabling fair and balanced decision-making. Cathy’s top priorities are helping to reduce medical errors and focusing on the optimum well-being of her clients.

As a “change agent”, Cathy brings a unique combination of knowledge and experience to the communities in which she has lived and worked and to the clients she loyally serves. She stays abreast of current issues by frequently attending meetings, conferences, lectures, workshops, and other educational and networking events related to the health and social services industry.

Cathy partners with attorneys, insurance/financial advisors, CPA’s, healthcare providers, and other professionals in allied services. Through her wide network of contacts, Cathy is considered a “referral specialist” by helping to connect clients and colleagues with other individuals or service providers. She is often called upon to participate on task forces/committees, to facilitate webinars, and to speak at various engagements.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Cathy received her BS in Social Welfare Cum Laude from State University of New York at Buffalo and her MSA in Public Administration/Management from Georgia College. She now makes her home in Plantation, Florida.

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PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Professional Patient Advocate Institute Certificate, Decision Health
Marketing For Mediators Certificate, Mediation Training Group
Elder & Family Shared Decision-Making Mediation Certificate, Mediation Training Group
Paralegal Certificate Program, Florida Atlantic University
Alfus Patient Advocacy Certificate Program, University of Miami
Florida Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Barry University/FANO
Professional Guardian/Geriatric Care Manager Certificate, Center for Gerontology
Supervisory Management Part I-III Certificate, American Management Association

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS/DESIGNATIONS
Certified Paralegal (CP), National Association of Legal Assistants
Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Mediation Training Group
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Society of Certified Senior Advisors
Professional Guardian (PG) / National Certified Guardian (NCG)
Total Quality Facilitator (TQM), Organizational Dynamics Inc

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS
Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB) – Education Liaison Task Force (ELTF) Member (2017 – Present)
Baroma Health Partners – Appointed Consumer Advocate, ACO Governing Body (2016-Present)
Nova Southeastern University - Paralegal Studies Advisory Board Member (2014-Present)
Florida Chapter Association of Family & Conciliation Courts (FLAFCC) – Taskforce on Eldercaring Coordination (2013-present), Appointed EC (Eldercaring Coordinator) 17th Judicial Circuit (2015)
Mediation Training Group—Professional Presenter (2012-Present)
The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA) / AdvoConnection - Member (2011-Present)
Florida Association of Nonprofits – Outreach Volunteer (2000 – Present)
AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS
Quoted in The Wall Street Journal: “Where to Turn in a Health-Finance Crisis” (June 8, 2014)
Recipient of the 4th Annual Case in Point Platinum Awards Honorable Mention: Social Worker (2013)
Recipient of the Soroptimist International of Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach, Florida: Women of Distinction (2007)

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