Io Dolka and Greyzone were recommended to us because of their specialization in complex cases. Our family member was dealing with a large number of medical diagnoses including several autoimmune diseases as well as the long term impacts of a previous brain injury and diabetes. But beyond the problems of those diseases, we had other unexplained problems we were dealing with. Local physicians and a prior healthcare advocate did not make progress getting to the root cause, and things had been going downhill for a couple of years with no explanation. Io organized all the facts and gathered input from the existing treating physicians and initiated a comprehensive multispecialty medical consultation at a world-class medical center. The many physicians we saw there consistently remarked that they had never seen a patient come to them so well-prepared, with all information organized and questions prepared — thanks to Io’s diligence and her own research and that of her physician partner and advisors. That visit resulted in a number of recommendations which we have implemented that have turned things around entirely. Along the way we appreciated that Io has been able to work with our family’s complicated medical, personal, and family situation and kept relations with everyone, including all the local physicians — some of whom were initially resistant to involving an advocate — working constructively.
Larry E., Seattle, WA
Io’s work ethic, dedication, passion, intelligence, and kindness are unparalleled. Io cares deeply for her clients, and goes above and beyond to meet their needs. Our family worked with Io for nearly two years. She worked tirelessly to coordinate our many appointments, and helped us navigate very complex medical circumstances. Through everything, Io became a member of our family. She was with us through all of the highs and lows. She laughed with us, endured (and embraced) our banter, and listened when we needed someone to talk to. For that, we will always be grateful.
Jenna B., Seattle, WA
After years of seeking help for unexplained heath issues and getting nowhere, we considered a number of executive health options. GreyZone was the best option for us since they tailored the service to our needs and got us into the right specialists who helped us put the pieces together. We ended up with diagnoses that we could work from and a better understanding of what we needed to do for follow up care and continued health needs. We have worked with GreyZone now twice – and have been helped by the work and pleased with the level of service.
Nicole T. & Linda T., Austin, TX
Being new to the city and with a rare condition, Io helped me identify and establish care with a good general practitioner. At Io’s request, we met beforehand to prepare for the initial visit. I met with Io having jotted down a couple of things I wanted to ask the doctor. When we met for our prep, Io started asking me a list of questions ranging from family medical history to stress factors, to get a thorough sense of who I was and what past and future issues that are important to me the doctor should know about. We ended up with two pages of valuable notes! Io accompanied me to the doctor’s appointment, being with me at all times, providing the notes to the physician in order to structure the appointment, enriching the conversation with the doctor and adding important points when needed. We established certain areas that needed further exploration and Io guided me through the next steps the doctor identified. By the end of it, I felt the doctor had a whole person view of who I am, my health status and future challenge, more than I would have done on my own. Most importantly, I felt safe and grateful for having Io there through the entire process!
Olia H., Seattle, WA
Working with GreyZone has been a remarkable experience in so many ways. As a practicing neurologist, having patients arrive with an organized binder of their previous workups, as well as arriving with their care coordinator who has a comprehensive knowledge of the patient's medical history, allows for a precise and accurate diagnostic/treatment experience. Care coordination and follow-up through GreyZone's coordinators are also second to none. I highly recommend GreyZone for any patient with a complex medical history, who may be frustrated with the direction of their current diagnostic/treatment options.
Braden N., MD, Neurology, Seattle, WA
I cannot say enough about the value of GreyZone with one of our very complex patients. I work as an RN case manager in a family practice clinic, and have been so impressed by the support, organization, availability of their health advocacy. Even though the patient and we are in California, the advocate attends every visit by phone if she can’t be present in person. She helps to format questions for each visit, makes sure the complex medications are kept up to date and contacts me whenever there are issues around care coordination and the patient’s health. I believe that she has a better grasp of the intricacies of the patient’s care than anyone. The advocate pulled together an enormous amount of information into coherent reports so that the patient could have a thorough workup at a nationally known clinic. That assessment and subsequent changes in the patient’s plan of care with her various local specialists have resulted in an enormous improvement in her level of function and quality of life. I don’t think this would have happened without the ongoing support of the GreyZone advocate.
Rosemary G., RN, Case Manager, Berkeley, CA
Io Dolka is an incredible advocate, very well informed and is extremely thorough. I can't recommend her enough!
Pam H., MSPT, Neurological PT, Berkeley, CA