I am a Physical Therapist with 30+ years of experience. Creative problem-solving is my bread and butter as a therapist and as a health advocate. As a PT, I bring a very functional, real-world perspective to the impacts of illness and injury. I am detail oriented while keeping an eye on the big picture...good health care requires both!
I currently work a very flexible schedule at UW Medical Center. I have worked in every in-patient setting, including ICU, acute care, rehab, skilled nursing, memory care, and even psychiatry. In the hospital, Physical Therapists work to prepare patients for discharge and to help determine the most appropriate discharge location -- home, rehab, or someplace else? Many patients and families feel that discharge plans get sprung on them. Having an experienced advocate greatly smooths this process and decreases everyone's stress. It also improves both the quality and safety of care transitions.
As I matured through my practice, I gained competence, confidence, and satisfaction with connecting with my patients on what their illness or injury really meant to them. What losses were they grieving? How were they coping? Were they emotionally ready to make changes in their life? What brought meaning to their life? Did they truly understand what was happening to them and what their options were?
The joy of connecting with patients and their families is something to treasure. I enjoy teaching them what they need to know to feel more comfortable with their health care. Because PT's are blessed to spend a lot of one-on-one time with their patients, there's ample time for conversation and coaching. What does this diagnosis really mean (in English, please!)? What role do all these people play? Why do I need three different doctors? What’s the difference between these different places they’re suggesting I discharge to? Do I really need to have that test? It became my goal that my patients feel empowered in their knowledge of their health and emboldened to be the key decision maker in their care.
With my patients and their loved ones, I saw that very often there is a palpable decrease in stress as knowledge increases and the elusive feeling of control begins to return.
I want to help more people experience their health and their health care in this way. It doesn’t have to be scary and stressful to navigate the system. When we’re sick, we just want to be taken care of and this advocacy is a key element in that care.
There are many types of advocacy and our work together can focus on one or multiple areas of need: medical navigation, physician communication, managing logistics, researching treatment options, or whatever else it is that will ease your journey.
Seattle Patient Advocates is organized as an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation).
EDUCATION:
University of Southern California
Master of Physical Therapy
Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
EXPERIENCE:
University of Washington Medical Center - NW Campus Acute Care
Kindred Long Term Acute Care Hospital, Sub-acute Rehab, and Skilled Nursing
Ida Culver House Skilled Nursing and Memory Care
Harborview Medical Center - acute care, acute rehab, and outpatient neuro rehab
Virginia Mason Medical Center - outpatient neuro rehab, acute care, and acute rehab
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center - world-renowned rehab/research hospital
CREDENTIALS/LICENSING
PT - licensed to practice Physical Therapy in Washington state
BCPA - Board Certified Patient Advocate
FUN FACTS
I'm an amateur photographer and the black-and-white photos on this site are mine. I also enjoy getting outside for walks, hikes, biking, boating, and gardening. I'm an avid reader, coffee drinker...and sometimes I just like to relax in my favorite chair. I am blessed with a sweet husband and two wonderful sons. I am a Seattle native who ventured to California for college.
Cheryl Kauffman, PT, BCPA
she/her
Independent Patient Advocate
Medical Navigation & Care Coordination
Proud Member of
health advocate x
the alliance of professional health advocates
the alliance of professional health advocates
Health Advocate X (formerly WASHAA) is a nonprofit organization made up of healthcare professionals, patients, community members, and many others, who are dedicated to promoting health advocacy in Washington State, empowering patients and improving healthcare outcomes.
We aim to help patients and their families or caregivers struggling to understand and access the health care system.
the alliance of professional health advocates
the alliance of professional health advocates
the alliance of professional health advocates
APHA was established in 2009 to bolster the advocacy profession and to help connect those in need with an advocate. Based on how daunting the health care system can be both medically and financially, it focuses on patient-centric advice, helping patients take the responsibility necessary to get the healthcare they deserve.
Known by variou
APHA was established in 2009 to bolster the advocacy profession and to help connect those in need with an advocate. Based on how daunting the health care system can be both medically and financially, it focuses on patient-centric advice, helping patients take the responsibility necessary to get the healthcare they deserve.
Known by various names, an advocate, navigator, case or care manager — is an objective professional who has spent time tackling the challenges and problems that crop up as patients seek the care they need, and who can make that path easier for those patients and caregivers who need help.
patient advocate certification board
patient advocate certification board
patient advocate certification board
BCPA is a credential earned by those who have studied and passed the official certification exam to determine their abilities and fitness for serving patients and their families who need assistance with some portion of their journey through the healthcare system.
If you see the BCPA initials after someone’s name, they have earned this desi
BCPA is a credential earned by those who have studied and passed the official certification exam to determine their abilities and fitness for serving patients and their families who need assistance with some portion of their journey through the healthcare system.
If you see the BCPA initials after someone’s name, they have earned this designation.
The credential was developed by the Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB).
greater national advocates
patient advocate certification board
patient advocate certification board
GNA is a national clearinghouse dedicated to helping people find an Advocate, and for advancing the profession of Advocacy.
"Our mission is to wake up the nation to the lifesaving benefits of Independent Patient Advocacy and provide patients and loved ones with immediate online access to a trusted network of qualified practitioners. We use
GNA is a national clearinghouse dedicated to helping people find an Advocate, and for advancing the profession of Advocacy.
"Our mission is to wake up the nation to the lifesaving benefits of Independent Patient Advocacy and provide patients and loved ones with immediate online access to a trusted network of qualified practitioners. We use fact-based media to spread awareness and steer patients and their loved ones to GNANOW.org where they can learn more about Independent Patient Advocacy and find the professional support they need."
Always, always, always learning
learning never ends
everyone deserves good care
everyone deserves good care
I firmly believe that it's dangerous to feel that we ever 'know it all.'
As an advocate, I complete a minimum of 10 hours per year of formal continuing education on a wide variety of topics -- medical conditions, healthcare systems, and healthcare ethics.
As a Physical Therapist, I complete a minimum of 16 hours per year of education.
everyone deserves good care
everyone deserves good care
everyone deserves good care
In 2023, I completed a five part series related to transgender advocacy. I learned a lot about the immense and varied difficulties this community faces in accessing their healthcare. I'm confident that this education will not only serve me well with this group, but also with other people facing discrimination in the healthcare setting due to race, body size, language, or other barriers.
