What Happens When You Contact a Patient Advocate?

Making the First Connection With a Patient Advocate

When you first reach out to a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, you may not know what to ask, and frankly, you don’t need to. That’s why our Patient Advocates are here to help you with these first steps.

Many families reach out while they are still trying to understand a diagnosis, find a doctor, sort through legal or financial questions, help a veteran or support a loved one. You can contact us even if all you know is that your family needs a clearer path.

Our services are free and personalized. There is no cost to speak with a Patient Advocate, and there is no obligation to speak with a doctor, lawyer or choose any service we provide.

Who’s the Person on the Call?

When you contact Asbestos.com, you’re connected with an experienced mesothelioma advocate on our team.

Our Patient Advocates have 100+ years of combined experience helping mesothelioma patients and families. The team includes registered nurses, a medical doctor, a medical officer, veterans specialists, VA-accredited claims agents, an oncology patient navigator, legal support professionals and hospice expertise.

Their role is to listen, understand what your family is facing, and connect you to resources that may fit your situation.

Patient Advocates do not replace your doctor, attorney, insurer, VSO or care provider. They help you understand what questions to ask and where to turn for qualified help.

Meet the Asbestos.com Patient Advocate Team

• Karen Selby, RN — Registered nurse with a background in oncology and thoracic surgery
• Snehal Smart, MD — Medical doctor 
• Dr. Catherine Perrault, DO — Medical Officer and board-certified family physician
• Vanessa Blanco — Certified oncology patient navigator
• Amy Pelegrin — Hospice care director

• Missy Miller — Medical Outreach director, leads the Doctor Match Program
• Jose Ortiz — Medical Outreach liaison

• Aaron Munz — Director, former U.S. Army captain
• Danielle DiPietro — VA-Accredited Claims Agent, financial advocate and board-certified Patient Advocate
• Joseph Lahav, Esquire — On-site legal advisor,

What a Patient Advocate May Ask You

A Patient Advocate may ask a few questions to understand which kind of support would be most useful for your and your family’s needs.

They may ask about:

• The diagnosis and, if known, the mesothelioma type.
• Where the patient lives and where they are receiving care.
• Treatment questions, upcoming appointments or need for a second opinion.
• Whether the patient served in the military.
• Possible asbestos exposure history, such as jobs, worksites, products or service history.
• Insurance, travel or financial concerns.
• Whether the family needs caregiver resources, emotional support or educational guides.
• What feels most urgent to you and your family right now.

You do not need to have every answer. The conversation is meant to help organize what you know and what you may need to learn next.

What Patient Advocates Can Help With

Patient Advocates help families connect all aspects of mesothelioma that often come together at once, such as medical questions, legal and financial concerns, veterans support, caregiving and emotional support.

Depending on your situation, they may help with:

• Finding you a specialist through our Doctor Match Program.
• Questions to ask about treatment options, second opinions or clinical trials.
• Legal and financial guidance in plain language.
• Connecting you or your family to qualified mesothelioma law firms when you want legal support.
• VA-related questions, claims support, appeals and exposure documentation.
• Financial assistance questions about asbestos trust funds, VA benefits, travel grants, insurance or other options.
• Support groups for patients and caregivers.
• Survivor stories, caregiver resources and emotional support information.
• Free educational guides your family can read and share.

Not every option applies to every person. A Patient Advocate helps you understand what may be worth exploring and where qualified professionals can help.

What Will You Get From This Conversation?

Since 2006, more than half of U.S. mesothelioma patients have turned to The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com for information, guidance and support. The first conversation is often where that support begins.

After speaking with a Patient Advocate, your family may leave with:

• A better understanding of what questions to ask your medical team.
• Information about mesothelioma specialists or treatment centers to consider.
• A free educational guide for your diagnosis or family situation.
• A clearer idea of legal or financial questions that may be worth exploring.
• Veterans resources or VA-related next steps.
• Support group, caregiver or emotional support resources.

The first conversation does not have to solve everything. It should help clarify the next step.

How to Prepare for the First Call

You do not need to prepare anything to contact us. But if you have these details nearby, they may help the conversation:

• Diagnosis or pathology information if available
• The patient’s state of residence
• Current doctor or treatment center
• Upcoming appointments
• Military service history, if relevant
• Work history or possible asbestos exposure details
• Insurance, travel or financial questions
• A list of questions you and your family want answered.

If you do not have these details, you can still reach out. A Patient Advocate can help you understand what information may be useful later.

What Happens to Your Information

We understand that sharing health, family, military, work or financial information can feel sensitive.

Patient Advocates ask questions on these topics to fully understand your needs and help identify relevant resources. Some support may involve connecting you with doctors, legal resources, veterans support, guides or other programs when you request that help.

Before submitting personal information, you can review Asbestos.com’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to understand how information is handled and what to expect when you contact us.

Review Our Privacy Policy

Review Our Terms of Service

Questions Families Ask Us

Is it free to speak with a Patient Advocate?

Yes. Speaking with a Patient Advocate is free. Our services are free and personalized for mesothelioma patients, caregivers, veterans and families.

Do Patient Advocates give medical or legal advice?

No. Patient Advocates provide education, support and connections to qualified professionals and trusted resources. They do not replace doctors, attorneys, insurers, VSOs or care providers.

Do I have to speak with a lawyer?

No. You decide if and when legal support makes sense for your situation. Our team is here to answer questions and help you understand your options. 

Can a family member contact you on behalf of the patient?

Yes. Many spouses, adult children, caregivers and loved ones contact us while helping someone with mesothelioma.

What if I am not sure of the kind of help I need?

That is a common reason families contact us. A Patient Advocate can listen to your situation and help identify whether finding a doctor, legal or financial guidance, veterans support, caregiver resources, educational guides or emotional support may be useful.

Can you guarantee a doctor appointment, compensation or VA benefits?

No. We do not guarantee appointment availability, treatment access, compensation, settlements, verdicts, trust fund payments, VA benefits or legal outcomes. We help you understand possible next steps and where qualified professionals can evaluate your situation.

Speak With a Patient Advocate