Frequently Asked questions about nurse advocacy
Have questions about independent nurse advocacy or working with Borrowed Guardian? We've gathered answers to some of the most common questions to help you better understand our services and what to expect.
About nurse advocacy
What does an independent nurse advocate do? An independent nurse advocate is a registered nurse who works for you, not a hospital or insurer. We help you prepare for appointments, understand medical information, coordinate communication with your providers and make informed decisions. See Services for the full list.
Who can benefit from a nurse advocate? Anyone who feels overwhelmed by healthcare, struggles to understand medical information, or simply wants an experienced nurse in their corner. That includes older adults, people managing chronic conditions, patients preparing for or recovering from surgery, and adult children supporting aging parents. You don’t need a serious illness or a crisis.
How is this different from home health care? Home health care provides hands-on medical treatment, like wound care or therapy. Borrowed Guardian provides advocacy and education. We help you understand your care, prepare for visits and coordinate communication, but we don’t provide treatment, diagnosis or personal care.
Does Borrowed Guardian replace my doctor or give medical advice? No. We work alongside your healthcare team and never in place of it. We help you understand what your providers recommend and prepare good questions, but diagnosis and treatment decisions stay with you and your providers.
Appointments and communication
Can a nurse accompany me to my medical appointments? Yes. Your nurse can join you in person or virtually, listen, take notes, ask your questions and help you understand next steps. Our Appointment Guardian package covers one scheduled appointment, with preparation beforehand and a written summary afterward.
Can you help me understand my diagnosis, medications or treatment recommendations? Yes. We explain what your providers have shared in plain language and help you decide what to ask next. We don’t change prescriptions or override your care team’s recommendations.
Can you attend appointments with my aging parent when I can’t? Yes, with your parent’s permission. Your nurse can attend, ask questions and send you a summary so you stay informed even when you can’t be there. Family members can be involved as the client chooses.
Can you help if my loved one is in the hospital or emergency department? Yes, if they’re already receiving care there. A nurse can be at the bedside to advocate, take notes, explain information in plain language and update authorized family. It’s subject to nurse availability, consent, clinical circumstances and facility visitor policies. We’re not an emergency-response or transport service. In an emergency, call 911.
Can you communicate with my healthcare providers? Yes, with your signed authorization. We can help coordinate communication, request records and make sure important information reaches the right people.
Will my doctor allow an independent nurse advocate to participate? In most cases, providers welcome an informed, prepared patient. Our role is collaborative, not adversarial, and we’re there to support clear communication. Letting your provider’s office know ahead of time that a nurse advocate will join you is a good idea.
Cost, insurance and scheduling
Do you accept insurance? No. Borrowed Guardian is a private-pay service and does not bill health insurance.
How much do services cost? We understand that every individual and family's needs are unique, which is why our services are tailored to each client. We offer a complimentary discovery call to learn more about your situation, discuss how Borrowed Guardian can support you, and assess your specific needs. Following this conversation, we'll provide a personalized quote outlining recommended services and associated costs, with no obligation to move forward.
Is there a minimum appointment length? Hospital and emergency department advocacy has a three-hour minimum. The Appointment Guardian covers up to two hours at the appointment, and extra time is billed in 15-minute increments.
Can I schedule recurring appointments? Often, yes. After an initial engagement, we can offer custom monthly arrangements through Ongoing Family Support, priced around your expected appointment, communication and coordination needs.
Can I request the same nurse every time? We aim for continuity so the nurse who knows your story stays with you wherever possible.
Do you offer evening, weekend or urgent appointments? Often, yes. We’ll accommodate requests outside standard availability when we can, subject to availability and applicable rates. Call or email us with last-minute requests.
Do you offer transportation assistance? No. Client transportation isn’t included. Your nurse meets you at the appointment or joins by phone or video where appropriate. Parking, facility fees and approved travel outside our standard service area are billed separately.
When do I pay, and what if I need to cancel? Payment for scheduled appointment packages is due before service. Hospital and emergency department advocacy requires an advance deposit based on the three-hour minimum, and unused amounts are refunded or credited according to your service agreement. We share cancellation and rescheduling terms before you book.
Privacy
How do you protect my medical information? We take your privacy seriously and use secure communication tools when discussing sensitive health information. Please don't send medical details through standard email or text messages. We'll guide you through the appropriate process for sharing information when needed. See our Privacy Policy.
Can my family be involved? Yes, as much or as little as you choose. With your authorization, we can keep family members informed and answer their questions.
Getting started
How do I book a free discovery call? Call 952-522-7280 or email info@borrowedguardian.com. The call is a free, 30-minute conversation to understand your general situation, explain our services and decide whether we’re a good fit. We don’t give medical advice or review records during it.
What if I’m not sure what I need? That’s completely normal, and it’s what the free discovery call is for. We’ll talk through your situation and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.
Where do you serve, and is virtual support available? We serve the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, with a focus on St. Louis Park. Appointment preparation, medical information review and care coordination may be available virtually. See the service area.