Independent patient advocacy
You don’t have to navigate the healthcare system alone.
I’m Cheryl Scharoun, a registered nurse and Board Certified Patient Advocate. I go to appointments, watch over hospital stays and coordinate care, so you and the people you love get the care you deserve.
Based in Raleigh-Durham, helping families anywhere by phone.
- 30+ years as a Registered Nurse
- Board Certified Patient Advocate
- Independent: works for you, not the hospital
- Free first consultation
What is a patient advocate?
A nurse on your side, working only for you
A patient advocate is an experienced professional you hire to help you through the healthcare system. I’m a registered nurse, and I work for you and your family, not for a hospital, doctor or insurance company.
I go to appointments with you, help you prepare the right questions, make sense of the diagnosis and the plan, and make sure your wishes are heard. When family lives far away, I keep everyone informed.
You might need an advocate if…
- You’re struggling to navigate the healthcare system
- You can’t get medical records, test, lab or pathology results
- You’re facing a new diagnosis
- You’re having trouble coping with a chronic condition
- You feel your doctor isn’t listening to you
- You’re being discharged but aren’t strong enough to go home safely
- You worry about a parent who lives in another state
Sound familiar? The first consultation is free.
Call 919-622-0840Who I help
When healthcare gets complicated, you need someone on your side
A health crisis rarely comes at a quiet time. An experienced nurse beside you turns worry into a plan.
The solo aging guideSolo agingNo family nearby, by choice or circumstance? You still deserve someone in your corner before a crisis forces rushed decisions.Read the solo aging guide 
Caring for a parent from a distanceYou live hours away and can’t be at every appointment. I can be there, and I’ll tell you plainly how things are going.Learn more 
Facing a new diagnosisNew words, new doctors, new decisions. I help you understand the diagnosis and the plan, and what to ask next.Learn more
New in the solo aging guide: Solo Aging Checklist: 8 Steps to Plan Your Care
More about who I helpHow I help
A nurse who works for you, not the hospital
From a single appointment to ongoing support for a parent who lives far away, I step in wherever you need help. As an independent advocate, my only job is making sure you understand your care and that your wishes are respected.
See all servicesNot sure which you need?
That’s exactly what the free consultation is for. Tell me what’s happening and I’ll tell you how I can help.
Call 919-622-0840- Hospital and appointment advocacyI come to appointments, help you prepare questions, and watch over hospital stays so nothing gets missed.Learn more
- Care coordination for familiesFor families who live far away: one nurse keeping track of doctors, facilities and the plan.Learn more
- Medication reviewWorried about too many medications? A review of everything you take, with questions to bring to your doctor.Learn more
- Chronic condition supportUnderstand your diagnosis and treatment plan, and catch small changes early.Learn more
- Hospital discharge and care optionsNot strong enough to go home? Help finding the right level of care, and the right place.Learn more
- Medical records and benefitsHelp getting records and results, and making sense of Medicare and insurance benefits.Learn more
- Coming soonMedical record review, patient navigation and hospital monitoringHelp reviewing your medical records, finding your way through the system and keeping watch over a hospital stay. Full details coming soon.Learn more
In their words
Peace of mind, from families who’ve been there
“Cheryl stepped in and gave me total peace of mind. She took the time to truly understand my mom, her needs, and my concerns. She checked in daily with caregivers, offered guidance, and was fully prepared to advocate for my mom if a hospital visit became necessary.”
“Cheryl S, my advocate has been a huge support! From helping manage insurance and social workers in rehab to supporting me at home. Cheryl has been a great asset in my recovery! I can’t thank her enough for all of her dedication.”
Certified by and member of
How it works
Getting started is one phone call
- 01
Free consultation
Tell me what’s going on: the diagnosis, the doctors, and where you feel stuck. No cost, no obligation.
- 02
A plan for your situation
Together we decide what needs attention first and how I can help, from one appointment to ongoing support.
- 03
I advocate alongside you
I go to appointments, talk with doctors and facilities, and keep you and your family informed.
About Cheryl
A nurse in your corner
Cheryl has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years, in health insurance, disease management, physician office management, short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Wherever she worked, she found herself advocating for the patient.
In 2013 she took family medical leave to care for her own parents, a retired physician and a retired nurse, at the end of their lives. She knows the medical system, and she knows what it feels like to be the family.
- RN · Registered Nurse
- BSN · Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- BCPA · Board Certified Patient Advocate
Who do you work for?
You. I’m an independent patient advocate, hired directly by you or your family, not by a hospital, doctor or insurance company.
Can you help if my parent lives in another state?
Yes. I attend appointments in person in the Raleigh-Durham area. For appointments outside the area, I join by phone during the visit or talk with the physician afterward.
What does the first consultation cost?
Nothing. The first consultation is free, so you can tell me what’s going on and decide whether I’m the right fit.
Can someone review all of my medications?
Yes. Our staff pharmacist reviews your prescription and over-the-counter medications, and I give you questions and research to discuss with your physician.
What if a hospital wants to discharge someone who isn’t ready to go home?
I help you find the right level of care, whether that’s short-term rehab, skilled nursing, assisted living, home health or hospice, and research facilities with recommendations and choices.
Let’s talk about what you’re facing.
The first consultation is free. Tell me what’s happening and we’ll work out the next step together.