myMDadvocate

myMDadvocate is a virtual medical consultation and advocacy service for adults in Washington state. Dr. Baumgaertel works as a physician consultant, healthcare navigator, personal coach, and medical advocate. The practice does not replace primary care but collaborates with a patient's existing physicians to provide guidance and support.

Yes. Per federal and state telehealth regulations, patients must physically be in Washington state at the time of their video visit. myMDadvocate does not serve patients located outside of Washington state at the time of their appointment.

myMDadvocate charges a one-time nonrefundable Intake fee of $175 to establish care. After that, visits are billed in 25-minute increments at $175 per 25 minutes. A typical 50-minute new patient visit totals $525 (Intake fee plus the visit charge). Return patients pay $350 for a 50-minute visit. There is no monthly or annual membership fee.

myMDadvocate does not bill insurance directly. Upon request, Dr. Baumgaertel can provide a Superbill that patients may submit to their own insurance plans. Superbills are not available for Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or secondary supplemental plans. Visit charges may qualify for submission to a Health Savings Account (HSA).

No. myMDadvocate does not prescribe medications, provide primary care, or handle urgent or emergent medical needs. Patients should contact their primary care physician or go to an emergency facility for urgent concerns. Dr. Baumgaertel focuses on consultation, advocacy, and navigation alongside a patient's existing care team.

New patients contact myMDadvocate by email or phone with their name, phone number, and best times to reach them. Dr. Baumgaertel then schedules a free 10-15 minute phone call to discuss mutual goals. After that, the practice sets up a SimplePractice account for all visits, communication, and transactions.

All appointments take place via secure video through SimplePractice's telehealth platform. Phone visits are also available based on patient preference. Appointments run in 25-minute increments, with 50-minute sessions being the most common. Patients schedule on the hour or half hour.

Yes. myMDadvocate functions as a support layer alongside a patient's primary care and specialty physicians. Dr. Baumgaertel collaborates with those providers as a safety net and advocate. She does not replace the need for an ongoing primary care relationship.

Dr. Baumgaertel brings decades of experience to menopause, chronic disease management, autoimmune conditions, cancer screening and survivorship support, weight management, aging, caregiver stress, behavioral health, chronic pain, and referral advocacy. She also helps patients debrief after medical encounters and navigate complex healthcare systems.

Yes. myMDadvocate charges a $350 no-show fee for missed appointments without prior cancellation. The practice handles late cancellations on a case-by-case basis. Patients should cancel in advance to avoid this charge.