Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Terry McLellan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Terry, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As a Registered Nurse with years of experience in healthcare, I’ve witnessed a concerning trend emerge over the past 15 to 20 years. Despite the promises made in both academic settings and medical institutions regarding patient-centric care and empowerment, the reality often falls short due to the complexities of hospital and medical politics. Patients, entrusted with their healthcare journey, are frequently confronted with obstacles such as insurance denials for medications, procedures, therapy, or rehabilitation.

Recognizing the critical need for unbiased support, I have dedicated myself to serving as an independent patient advocate. My role is to empower individuals by providing comprehensive information about their healthcare options, untethered by insurance constraints or physician recommendations. By facilitating a deep understanding of their conditions and treatments, I aim to foster compliance and long-term health.

My mission is two-fold: to guide individuals and their loved ones through the labyrinth of the healthcare system and to impart the skills necessary for effective self-advocacy. Through education and personalized support, I strive to ensure that every individual can make informed decisions and assert their rights within the healthcare landscape.

Terry, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After dedicating 25 years to nursing, I transitioned into the realm of Independent Advocacy, driven by a deep-seated concern for individuals grappling with health challenges. Conducting extensive research into avenues for enhancing healthcare assistance led me to the realm of Independent Patient Advocacy. In 2020, I achieved certification as a Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) and subsequently founded SunNav Healthcare Advocates in December of the same year.

At SunNav HCA, our mission is to extend invaluable support to patients and their allies as they navigate the intricate healthcare continuum. Whether collaborating directly with clients or liaising with their legal representatives, we steadfastly prioritize the amplification of their voices and provision of comprehensive information, fostering empowered decision-making across all facets of healthcare navigation.

Our unwavering commitment at SunNav HCA is to enhance patient outcomes and uphold the fundamental right of individuals to exercise autonomy in their healthcare decisions. We actively engage with family members and caregivers in the planning process, tailoring our approach to meet the unique preferences of each client.

Over the past four years, I am proud to have assisted over 20 clients in reclaiming control over their health journeys, facilitating bill payment, securing coverage for essential procedures, and instilling confidence in their interactions with their medical teams. Serving as an integral member of the healthcare ecosystem, I derive immense satisfaction from ensuring medication adherence, treatment alignment, and seamless communication with all involved physicians and pharmacies.

I firmly believe that individuals navigating health crises or chronic disease management stand to gain immeasurable benefits from the advocacy of an Independent Patient Advocate. Through SunNav HCA, I remain steadfastly committed to empowering clients and their support networks, offering unwavering guidance and support on their paths to wellness.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

One of the most impactful strategies for expanding my clientele involves active participation in local business networks, such as the Chamber of Commerce in my city, as well as membership in esteemed groups like the Global Women’s Empire, boasting over 2.5K women in business. Engaging in networking activities and cultivating relationships with fellow proprietors not only fosters mutual support but also enhances visibility and credibility within the local business community.

Moreover, in today’s dynamic digital landscape, embracing social media has become indispensable, irrespective of age or background. By leveraging various social media platforms strategically, I aim to amplify my reach, engage with a broader audience, and showcase the value proposition of SunNav Healthcare Advocates effectively. This multifaceted approach ensures that I remain at the forefront of client engagement and business growth, positioning SunNav HCA as a trusted resource in the healthcare advocacy realm.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

In my ongoing pursuit of personal and professional development, I have drawn inspiration and insight from a curated selection of influential literature and resources. Among these, the timeless wisdom of the Bible serves as a foundational guide, providing invaluable principles for ethical leadership and compassionate service.

Additionally, works by renowned thought leaders such as Dave Ramsey, particularly his acclaimed book “EntreLeadership,” have profoundly shaped my approach to entrepreneurship and organizational management. Ramsey’s pragmatic insights into effective leadership, financial stewardship, and business ethics have been instrumental in guiding my strategic decision-making and fostering a culture of excellence within SunNav Healthcare Advocates.

Moreover, John Maxwell’s seminal work, “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” has been a source of invaluable leadership principles, illuminating the essential qualities and practices of effective leadership. Maxwell’s teachings have empowered me to cultivate leadership skills and inspire positive change within my organization and the broader community.

In addition to these foundational texts, resources such as “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, as well as “Personality Plus” by Florence Littauer, have provided indispensable insights into interpersonal dynamics, self-awareness, and boundary-setting. By integrating these principles into my professional practice, I strive to foster healthy relationships, establish clear boundaries, and leverage the unique strengths of myself and those I serve.

Through a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth, informed by these transformative resources, I am equipped to navigate the complexities of healthcare advocacy with integrity, compassion, and effectiveness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sunnavhca.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnavhca/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnavhca
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=guest_homepage-basic_google-one-tap-submit
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunNavPatientAdvocate