On a recent episode of Health Futures – Taking Stock in You radio show and podcast, host Bob Roth welcomed guest Dr. Marc Lato, founder of “The Doctor Is In,” to discuss his innovative patient advocacy service designed to help individuals and families navigate the complexities of healthcare and aging-related decisions.
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In a healthcare landscape growing increasingly complex and impersonal, Dr. Mark Leto has found a new calling. After “flunking retirement,” as he puts it, Dr. Leto has launched a patient advocacy service called “The Doctor Is In,” aiming to help people navigate the often overwhelming healthcare system.
On a recent episode of “Health Futures Taking Stock in You,” hosted by Bob Roth of Cypress Home Care Solutions, Dr. Leto shared insights about his new venture and the critical need it addresses for Arizona’s aging population.
A Lifetime of Healthcare Experience
Dr. Leto brings impressive credentials to his new role. With 60 years in Arizona, his medical journey began at the University of Arizona Medical School (he was in the fourth graduating class in 1975), followed by a residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital. After 21 years in family practice, he pivoted to executive healthcare roles, serving as a medical director and chief medical officer for various organizations including Medicaid plans and Arizona Long Term Care.
This blend of clinical practice and administrative experience gives Dr. Leto a unique perspective on both the medical and insurance aspects of healthcare – knowledge that proves invaluable in his advocacy work.
Bridging the Healthcare Communication Gap
Dr. Leto identifies a growing disconnect in modern healthcare. “When I was in practice, it was ‘Dr. Leto, how could we help you?'” he recalls. “Now when you dial their number, it’s ‘If this is an emergency, dial 911.'”
This observation highlights the shift away from personalized care that many patients experience today. With medical practices increasingly owned by private equity firms and venture capitalists, patients often find themselves navigating a system designed for efficiency rather than connection.
As Bob Roth noted from personal experience with his father who had “14 doctors, all ending in -gist,” coordinating care becomes extraordinarily complex. Someone needs to be “that proverbial quarterback” ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time in the right place.
The Need for Advocacy Has Never Been Greater
Several factors make Dr. Leto’s service particularly timely:
- An Aging Population: Arizona’s 65+ population is growing rapidly, with projections showing that by 2030, there will be more people 65 and older than 18 and younger in the state.
- Healthcare Provider Shortages: The increasing demand comes amid shortages of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- “Solo Agers”: About one-third of those 65+ are “solo aging” without partners to advocate for them, with some retirement communities reporting rates over 70%.
- Complex Medical Systems: Hospitalists, specialists, and primary care physicians often operate in silos, making coordination challenging.
Services That Make a Difference
Dr. Leto’s advocacy practice addresses these challenges by offering:
- Help interpreting medical information and treatment options
- Assistance with insurance claims and billing disputes
- Support for patients during hospital stays
- Connections to appropriate resources
- Clear communication with family members who may live far away
“We’re connectors,” Dr. Leto explains. His goal is to help patients “navigate their health care journey with a little more confidence and knowledge.”
The Importance of Advance Planning
The conversation also touched on the critical importance of advance healthcare directives. As Roth pointed out, only about 110,000 Arizonans (out of nearly 7 million) have registered their directives with the state registry – a number that should be much higher.
Dr. Leto agreed, noting that 5% of Medicare patients consume 25% of Medicare dollars in their last six months of life – often receiving care they might not have wanted had their wishes been clearly documented.
Walking the Walk
Dr. Leto isn’t just talking about healthcare planning – he’s living it. At the time of the interview, he was 72 hours away from his own knee replacement surgery. Having gone through a similar procedure on his right knee two years earlier, he shared how he’d prepared:
- Participating in “prehab” before the operation
- Arranging for home health therapists post-surgery
- Planning for physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Setting appropriate expectations for recovery
This personal example demonstrates the value of the organized, informed approach to healthcare that Dr. Leto champions for his clients.
Looking Forward
As our population continues to age and healthcare grows more complex, the need for patient advocates like Dr. Leto will only increase. His return from retirement to fill this crucial gap demonstrates both his commitment to patient care and his recognition of a growing need in our community.
For those seeking assistance navigating their healthcare journey, Dr. Leto can be reached through his website at doctormarclato.com or by phone at 602-228-5591.
