My Personal Advocate – Testimonials
I can’t think of anyone I know who would be a better patient advocate than Alan Feren. I can’t say enough good things about him as a human being, a doctor, and a guide. I think if you work with him you will feel the same way.
Alan cares deeply about people. Helping people comes naturally to him. I have never met another doctor like Alan, with great empathy, excellent communication skills, deep and broad medical expertise, and expertise in how to get great treatment.
I have known Alan for over twenty years. I have worked in the healthcare industry for longer than that. I have worked with many doctors. I am also used to having to navigate a complex and confusing healthcare system by myself, having many medical issues of my own. It is not easy. Alan is the doctor to turn to when you need help figuring out what to do and how to do it regarding your medical issues.
Alan uniquely combines several essential qualities in somebody I want advocating for me: an ability to carefully listen to people regarding their medical issues and understand both the medical and personal sides of their situation, truly excellent medical expertise, knowledge of how the healthcare system works, an ability to put complex medical concepts and language into language people can understand, and a patient-centered perspective— flexible and completely focused on what next steps will truly be helpful for the person he’s working with.
Alan is a terrific doctor and advocate. He is efficient, effective, and empathetic.
He’s helped me. He’s helped other friends. He can help you, too.
Dan M, CA
03/04/2023
I had a complicated and expensive claim for an out of state residential treatment center for my daughter that was denied. I spent over a year appealing multiple times with the insurance company, recovering just the first two weeks of out of pocket costs. I decided to have an Independent Medical Review (IMR) and selected Dr. Alan Feren as a consultant through mypersonaladvocate.net . Dr. Feren did his own research, took my best attempt at writing an IMR and rewrote it, almost entirely, because he understood what the reviewer needed to see to fairly judge the facts from my point of view. I just received the decision and the insurance company’s denial was overturned.
Amy Holmes
05/14/2022
“Facing surgery can be a daunting experience if you feel unprepared and anxious about the entire procedure. Even if you have found the best doctor for your treatment, the medical professionals of today just do not have the time to help you face the upcoming challenges you feel. I can’t imagine not using the services of Dr. Feren-not only is he a highly accomplished Doctor, but he has been a patient many times over and can truly empathize and knows first-hand what kind of information you would need even if you don’t know the right questions to ask. I was facing hand surgery and could trust Dr. Feren emphatically; he is the best advocate you will ever need. He had a plethora of knowledge to share with me; from referring doctors he knows, to succinctly forwarding links to websites and videos with just the right amount of information I needed before and after my surgery. I felt comforted by his caring and supportive manner in not only helping me to be well informed & prepared, but his follow up contacts with ongoing advice were so welcome. What more can I say!
Gigi Pettengill
12/20/2021
“After thoroughly reading my diagnosis, Dr. Feren very clearly and simply explained what the diagnostic report actually meant. He answered my many questions, helped me strategize a plan of action, and armed me with questions for the consultation with my local orthopedic surgeon. Further, Alan calmed my fearful imagination with care and understanding, and he suggested resources I might use to confidently and successfully proceed with my surgery.
Every person’s health journey is unique. Fortunately, my surgery went very well. I continued consulting with Dr. Feren. He helped me to understand my essential role in my recovery. Dr. Feren advocated for me with information, but his experience as a patient and as a physician empowered me to do what was useful for me to recover well. I am so very grateful to have been so highly supported!”
Marie Boylan
12/17/2021
I was honored to work alongside Dr. Feren for over 4 years in a fast paced, healthcare start-up company.His work ethic, professionalism, breadth of knowledge & understanding of multiple facets of healthcare is beyond impressive.During that time my father fell ill & I was told he had two months to live.Immediately, I called Dr. Feren who guided me with questions to ask the treating physician. Instantly I was equipped with knowledge which in turn empowered me to ask crucial questions.Dr. Feren was able to anticipate what I needed to do & prepare for which was vital.My father lived 5 years and I credit that to the advice, guidance & empowerment of Dr. Alan.I never felt alone navigating the scary healthcare system (and remember I was a Senior Vice President in 2 healthcare companies.I know more than the average person but it was daunting to navigate alone).Dr. Feren’s calm, directive suggestions literally helped me keep my dad alive for five additional years.I would have never known what questions even needed to be asked.That call to Dr. Feren was, to this day, the best decision I have ever made!Sharing his wisdom & expert advice was literally priceless.
Grateful Daughter
Jeni Waters