Better Health Advisors - A Plan for Better Healthcare

What People Say

It isn’t me anymore, fighting all the time to get good care. I'm not alone.

—Erica, client 2016

I faced having my foot amputated. I was devastated and didn't know what to do. A friend recommended I speak with John and that's where my story changed 180 degrees. Within 24 hours, John and I had a new plan, giving me access to a specialist whose expertise saved my foot. Rapid assessment and action removed the threat of amputation. And for me, better prospects and better health.

—Thomas, client since 2016

I do not feel expert enough to manage my healthcare on my own. John sets up appointments and attends them with me as my tireless advocate whenever I feel the need. If there is confusion or a problem, he asks the right questions, and finds the quickest way to a solution that I'm comfortable with.

—Alexandra, client since 2017

John's team gathered the critical details of my condition. They validated my treatment plan, explaining to me in plain English why I needed the tests they recommended. Thanks to their evaluation, plan and ongoing support, I felt confident and in control throughout the whole process.

—Dan, client since 2015

I have worked in healthcare for 15 years and consider myself to be well educated and proactive about my own health - but when I recently received a very serious diagnosis, I reached out to John. I knew that his vast knowledge and understanding of healthcare systems and providers, but more importantly, his compassion and understanding of the patient experience, would make him an invaluable source of guidance during my own health care crisis. He can expertly - and kindly - help navigate the often overwhelming challenges in obtaining quality care and treatment.

—Jane, Healthcare Professional, NYC

For the first time in a very long while, I really feel like I have someone on my side, and it is such a relief to know that I can let my guard down, allow myself to be sick and make a mistake or forget some detail, and know that everything isn’t going to fall apart because for right now, it isn’t just me alone anymore, having to fight all the time to get good care, be on top of my bizarre and degenerative disease so I have the best chance of a decent life, make decisions alone, etc. I just can’t adequately share the relief I am feeling tonight, and that is all because of you. Thank you. Truly.

—Erica, Executive, NYC

On several occasions, when I was unsure what to do, I contacted John to help me manage my parent's health care. My father lives in South Carolina and has had several serious illnesses in the past year. Each time I contacted John, he was accessible and guided us to navigate the complex hospitals and nursing homes in South Carolina. He quickly gave us expert advice on how to coordinate care for my father. He even joined calls with our nurse and doctors to make sure that all the right questions were asked when my father was going from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility. Even though I live far away from my parents, I rested assured that my father was getting great medical care.

—William, Executive New York City

What We Do

Better Health Advisors is an independent company and is not affiliated with any organizations or facilities. We have strong relationships with medical providers all over the country

Whether your goal is to tackle a diagnosis or to maintain good health, we can create an actionable plan for you, with you. Our plans are seamless, dynamic and easy to understand.

Your strategy and activation are created by John, his associates and the Better Health Medical Advisory Board

Navigation

We get you appointments with top doctors - fast
We choose the best health insurance plans for your specific health and wellness needs
We navigate the intricacies and bureaucracy of your insurance and can help manage claims
We help you get more out of your insurance coverage to minimize your out of pocket costs

Healthcare

We conduct a comprehensive health assessment including: a review of your current health, health history and medical team, then we make recommendations on how to proceed
We recommend the right team of doctors for your unique needs
We evaluate your doctors’ treatment recommendations and secure second opinions when needed
We provide clear explanations of test results and treatment options
We investigate any diagnosis, no matter how complex
We provide case management for individuals of all ages, including geriatrics
We work with our doctors ensure you get the right care and attention in every healthcare environment including the ER

Support

We coordinate care between doctors and other health providers
We accompany you to key appointments to ensure that every aspect of your care is taken into account
We handle all care transitions and communicate key medical information
We identify top doctors and other wellness experts: physical therapists, home health aides, nutritionists, etc.

Who We Serve

We serve private individuals as well as corporations. Our corporate clients include, RFG Wealth Management, Allective, Hogan Security Group, Clear Employer Services, Good Company Unlimited and MACK Communications.

Meet your Better Health team

John M. Samuels, MPH

Founder & CEO

For over 20 years, John has served as a senior healthcare leader in New York City’s top hospitals, including Northwell Health (formerly known as North Shore LIJ) and Mount Sinai Beth Israel. John’s tenure in healthcare is marked by a ceaseless effort to improve patient care and satisfaction.

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For over 20 years, John has served as a senior healthcare leader in New York City’s top hospitals including Northwell Health (formerly known as North Shore LIJ) and Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Responsible for the operation of 16 emergency departments and a rapidly expanding network of urgent care centers, he sat at the helm of a system that touched nearly 800,000 lives per year.

John’s tenure in healthcare is marked by a ceaseless effort to improve patient care and satisfaction. This includes implementing staff training programs, managing surges to emergency rooms, reducing the time it takes to see a doctor, creating Alzheimer’s programs and many more innovations.

Through his two decades of work in hospitals, John has developed relationships with top doctors and facilities, and has strong connections with all major New York area hospitals. In 2016, he founded Better Health Advisors, a New York City based healthcare advisory practice. As chief advisor, John uses his extensive healthcare experience and wide network of medical professionals to achieve the best possible care for his clients.

John earned his Masters of Public Health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and graduated from the Academy of Healthcare Leadership Advancement at Cornell University. He is a licensed nursing home administrator in New York and New Jersey. John formerly served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants, the country’s foremost organization for patient-centered approach to medicine, which advocates for rigorous standards in assisting patients with medical decisions. He was recently named the Chief Medical Administrator and advisory board member for the State Trooper Surgeons of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, and he serves on the board of directors for Mary McDowell Friends Academy.

Return to Short Bio

Christine Imperato, MHA

Senior Advisor

Christine is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 23 years of experience working in Boston’s academic medical centers. In addition to her extensive experience in hospital administration and operations, most recently at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Christine’s portfolio also includes medical record implementation, Joint Commission Readiness and Client Service expertise for a start-up. Christine holds a Masters in Health Care Administration from Simmons College and a Bachelors of Arts degree from Boston College.

Beverly Shenkman, M.A., M.Ed

Senior Advisor

Beverly Shenkman comes to the Better Health Advisory team after 35 years of experience in healthcare. She specialized in focusing on the mental health of her patients and the impact of medical issues. She has worked closely with treatment teams in major hospitals throughout New York City, including Mt Sinai, New York Presbyterian,New York University and Beth Israel. Beverly received a double Masters degree from Columbia University in Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling.

Michelle Tagerman, MS

Senior Advisor

Michelle Tagerman joined the Better Health Advisors team in 2017 while she was getting her Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Columbia University. She holds a Master of Science in Management Studies and a Bachelor of Science from Boston University, where she brought innovative solutions to a variety of everyday healthcare and business problems. Previously, Michelle worked in mental health research and as an emergency medical technician.

Medical Advisory Board

David Bernard, MD, FACP, FRCP (UK), FCP(SA)

David Bernard is a board-certified nephrologist. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer at the CHEAR Center, and an Honorary Attending Physician at Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center. Over his almost 50-year career, Dr. Bernard has held numerous clinical, executive and academic positions.

Mark Melrose DO, FACEP

Mark Melrose has practiced emergency medicine for more than 25 years. He has served as Director of Emergency Medicine at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey, and as the Director/Associate Chair of Emergency Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center - Singer Division.

Elizabeth Worley, MD

Beth Worley is an attending physician in the Department of Pediatrics at Jacobi Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She previously joined the clinical faculty of Stanford University School of Medicine and she has a strong interest in global health.

Jaspal Ricky Singh, MD

Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh is the Medical Director of Outpatient Faculty Practice in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Co-Director of the Weill Cornell Spine Center. Dr. Singh is a triple-board certified physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Pain Medicine.

Kerry Knievel, DO

Kerry Knievel is a Neurologist at Barrow Neurological Institute. Board Certified in Neurology and in Neuromuscular Medicine, Kerry is the director of the Barrow Headache Program, the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program, and the in-patient neurology services at Barrow Neurological Institute.

Dr. Louis Vogel, MD

Louis Vogel has been a practicing Dermatologist for almost 30 years, during which time he has successfully treated thousands of patients of almost every condition and type. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Dermatology, and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical College.

Barbara Mann, MD

Barbara Mann is an Assistant Professor in the Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine. Dr. Mann was inducted into AOA and the Gold Humanism Honor Society for her academic achievement and compassionate patient care.

Great healthcare doesn't just happen. Let's create your plan for better healthcare, together.

The Better Health Advisors Process

YOUR ASSESSMENT

YOUR STRATEGY

YOUR ACTIVATION

YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT

What People Say