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No One Alone: Humanizing Healthcare as an Outsider
Entrepreneurs are born to disrupt—but disrupting established industries like healthcare is no small feat. Drawing from her twenty-plus years of experience as a founder and business leader, Kara Trott reveals her secret sauce to succeeding in a field that’s notoriously resistant to innovation. A former lawyer turned accidental entrepreneur, Kara founded Quantum Health in 1999, spearheading healthcare navigation—and a new industry in the process. For over 25 years, Quantum Health has been supporting patients in navigating the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, while helping to cut costs and improve patient outcomes.
At the core of the company’s success is a strong commitment to humanizing healthcare. Despite growing from less than ten employees to upwards of 2,500, Quantum Health has retained its human-first approach, with its Warriors on the front lines liaising with patients every day. In this book, you’ll hear from Quantum Health’s clients, investment partners, and employees, who reveal how the company has managed to stay true to its roots despite its substantial growth.
Even as Quantum Health has grown to a value of upwards of a billion, it has stuck to the Midwestern values espoused by Kara. With clarity and candor, Kara details the pitfalls she faced on her journey and how she overcame them, sharing trials that will ring true with any entrepreneur—or simply anyone who has ever taken on their own Goliath.
At the core of the company’s success is a strong commitment to humanizing healthcare. Despite growing from less than ten employees to upwards of 2,500, Quantum Health has retained its human-first approach, with its Warriors on the front lines liaising with patients every day. In this book, you’ll hear from Quantum Health’s clients, investment partners, and employees, who reveal how the company has managed to stay true to its roots despite its substantial growth.
Even as Quantum Health has grown to a value of upwards of a billion, it has stuck to the Midwestern values espoused by Kara. With clarity and candor, Kara details the pitfalls she faced on her journey and how she overcame them, sharing trials that will ring true with any entrepreneur—or simply anyone who has ever taken on their own Goliath.
- GenresNonfictionBusiness
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
19 people are currently reading
1360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 1, 2025
This book was a good read. This book is about how Kara Trott, who was originally a lawyer but left her career to find Quantum Health. She started the journey by observing the chaos of healthcare to creating a system that helps people navigate it with clarity, compassion, and support. Quantum Health is a company that provides healthcare navigation and care coordination. This book talks about making healthcare more human. One thing I don't like about this book is how repetitive it is at times. I think the main motif is human connection in the face of a complex system.
May 14, 2025
First – Who should read this? If you are interest in…
1. Learning more about US healthcare (first 50 pages)**
2. How US healthcare can improve/is improving for patients (first 50 pages)**
3. Going from bootstrapping a start-up to sustaining success
4. Creating, running, and scaling a business think pre-MBA (not just US healthcare)
5. Deepening understanding about minutiae involved in US healthcare (not for the casual reader)
** I included the “first 50 pages” caveat because the beginning of this book is very accessible and informative. It outlines the structure of the healthcare system and provides a nice “easing in” to the more complex information to come. For more casual readers, I suggest you can put the book down here. My reasoning – the book does a great job of then jumping into intricate and industry-specific vernacular for the startup and healthcare worlds, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Facts
Kara Trott started Quantum Health in 1999 in order to fill a gap – she saw how notoriously difficult the healthcare industry was for patients. She chose to focus on the consumer experience and how to navigate this intimidating world by creating a company of Quantum “Warriors,” essentially knowledgeable healthcare advocates, who help customers through the journey or, as she frequently refers to it, “the yellow brick road” from The Wizard of Oz, where “everything is unfamiliar and hard to navigate.” (p. 20)
With an “early-intercept” model, also called a Real-Time Intercept (RTI), Quantum made the somewhat obvious, yet unaddressed, discovery that proactive intervention not only behooves the patient by catching issues early, but also diminishes client (usually employer) costs because…issues are caught early. Insert hand slap to head here. No company had thought of this????
After explaining the impetus for her company, Trott provides a solid primer on forming, running, and scaling up a startup. I loved seeing how she applied her previous experience “optimizing the entire consumer journey” with traditional retailers to the healthcare industry. I REALLY value that Trott doesn’t talk down to readers and instead expects readers to know/remember/learn the more industry-related information. That lack of redundancy makes the book so much easier to read!
Feels
As someone with too much experience with healthcare (my employer changed healthcare companies four times in 10 years and my parents are aging, as to be expected!), I appreciated Trott’s humanization of the healthcare system. It’s interesting to note the changes I’ve seen through the years and with a variety of companies, particularly how assistance in “consumer navigation” has crept into the sphere!
Final Thoughts –
Great book for really getting a handle on the changing healthcare world and how to start/fund/maintain your own business in accordance with your goals/values.
For Friends/Followers – You know who you are…
One of the parts I appreciated the MOST in this book is that Trott DIDN’T mention anything related to her being a woman until page 149 out of 174 pages. Hallelujah! I hadn’t even THOUGHT about that as an aspect of her story until that point, and I hope we’re moving away from sex/race/gender/religion/origin/age being a defining part of a story like this. In our current era, the amount of books about invisible barriers, glass ceilings, “success despite…” and the general “How I made it as a(n) [insert marginalized group] and you can too!” could have its own bookstore. I didn’t pick up this book to learn about a woman-owned business and the author didn’t write it for that reason. She wrote about a successful startup and an industry ripe for change. And that’s what matters!
1. Learning more about US healthcare (first 50 pages)**
2. How US healthcare can improve/is improving for patients (first 50 pages)**
3. Going from bootstrapping a start-up to sustaining success
4. Creating, running, and scaling a business think pre-MBA (not just US healthcare)
5. Deepening understanding about minutiae involved in US healthcare (not for the casual reader)
** I included the “first 50 pages” caveat because the beginning of this book is very accessible and informative. It outlines the structure of the healthcare system and provides a nice “easing in” to the more complex information to come. For more casual readers, I suggest you can put the book down here. My reasoning – the book does a great job of then jumping into intricate and industry-specific vernacular for the startup and healthcare worlds, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Facts
Kara Trott started Quantum Health in 1999 in order to fill a gap – she saw how notoriously difficult the healthcare industry was for patients. She chose to focus on the consumer experience and how to navigate this intimidating world by creating a company of Quantum “Warriors,” essentially knowledgeable healthcare advocates, who help customers through the journey or, as she frequently refers to it, “the yellow brick road” from The Wizard of Oz, where “everything is unfamiliar and hard to navigate.” (p. 20)
With an “early-intercept” model, also called a Real-Time Intercept (RTI), Quantum made the somewhat obvious, yet unaddressed, discovery that proactive intervention not only behooves the patient by catching issues early, but also diminishes client (usually employer) costs because…issues are caught early. Insert hand slap to head here. No company had thought of this????
After explaining the impetus for her company, Trott provides a solid primer on forming, running, and scaling up a startup. I loved seeing how she applied her previous experience “optimizing the entire consumer journey” with traditional retailers to the healthcare industry. I REALLY value that Trott doesn’t talk down to readers and instead expects readers to know/remember/learn the more industry-related information. That lack of redundancy makes the book so much easier to read!
Feels
As someone with too much experience with healthcare (my employer changed healthcare companies four times in 10 years and my parents are aging, as to be expected!), I appreciated Trott’s humanization of the healthcare system. It’s interesting to note the changes I’ve seen through the years and with a variety of companies, particularly how assistance in “consumer navigation” has crept into the sphere!
Final Thoughts –
Great book for really getting a handle on the changing healthcare world and how to start/fund/maintain your own business in accordance with your goals/values.
For Friends/Followers – You know who you are…
One of the parts I appreciated the MOST in this book is that Trott DIDN’T mention anything related to her being a woman until page 149 out of 174 pages. Hallelujah! I hadn’t even THOUGHT about that as an aspect of her story until that point, and I hope we’re moving away from sex/race/gender/religion/origin/age being a defining part of a story like this. In our current era, the amount of books about invisible barriers, glass ceilings, “success despite…” and the general “How I made it as a(n) [insert marginalized group] and you can too!” could have its own bookstore. I didn’t pick up this book to learn about a woman-owned business and the author didn’t write it for that reason. She wrote about a successful startup and an industry ripe for change. And that’s what matters!
May 13, 2025
Creating a better, more equitable world by mending a broken healthcare system
Author/entrepreneur Kara Trott shares her life experience in growing into the founding of Quantum Health – ‘a consumer healthcare navigation and care coordination company…helping millions of people on their healthcare journeys - from the routine, like seeing a primary care provider, to the complex, like managing a cancer diagnosis.’ Reading and absorbing this book, as a retired healthcare provider, reveals a sense of hope that our wounded healthcare system needs so desperately. As Kara states, ‘Quantum Health has been supporting patients in navigating the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, while helping to cut costs and improve patient outcomes.’
Supplying key concepts about the changes needed in healthcare are shared throughout this book, such as ICARE (Caring, Accountable, Real, Envelopes) that has served as a guide for the Warriors of Quantum Health’s approach to supportive healthcare delivery. Restoring compassion to the process of seeking healthcare, the provider/patient relationship, the navigation of subsequent followup and financial concerns makes this volume and imperative resource for mending our ailing healthcare system. Excellent!
Author/entrepreneur Kara Trott shares her life experience in growing into the founding of Quantum Health – ‘a consumer healthcare navigation and care coordination company…helping millions of people on their healthcare journeys - from the routine, like seeing a primary care provider, to the complex, like managing a cancer diagnosis.’ Reading and absorbing this book, as a retired healthcare provider, reveals a sense of hope that our wounded healthcare system needs so desperately. As Kara states, ‘Quantum Health has been supporting patients in navigating the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, while helping to cut costs and improve patient outcomes.’
Supplying key concepts about the changes needed in healthcare are shared throughout this book, such as ICARE (Caring, Accountable, Real, Envelopes) that has served as a guide for the Warriors of Quantum Health’s approach to supportive healthcare delivery. Restoring compassion to the process of seeking healthcare, the provider/patient relationship, the navigation of subsequent followup and financial concerns makes this volume and imperative resource for mending our ailing healthcare system. Excellent!
May 9, 2025
Admirable
I believe this book inspires admiration in anyone who reads it. The medical profession is one of the most beautiful one, but also one of the most demanding. Through her story, the author raises an important question: how do you do your job without ever losing the human touch? Many professions don’t require the same level of care and sensitivity as caring for someone who is ill—because that person is not only sick and in need of a service, but also, in most cases, is in a deeply vulnerable state. Well, I believe this author brings one of the best possible solutions: establishing strong roots and clear principles around the purpose of medicine, never overlooking the importance of the patient’s psychological and subjective experience. All of this is paired with a strong pursuit of innovation in the medical field and the effort to equip it with better tools to reduce costs and make it more accessible to the public. I’ve always believed that people who create this kind of service—with such solid values—are the ones who truly deserve to be famous in the world.
I believe this book inspires admiration in anyone who reads it. The medical profession is one of the most beautiful one, but also one of the most demanding. Through her story, the author raises an important question: how do you do your job without ever losing the human touch? Many professions don’t require the same level of care and sensitivity as caring for someone who is ill—because that person is not only sick and in need of a service, but also, in most cases, is in a deeply vulnerable state. Well, I believe this author brings one of the best possible solutions: establishing strong roots and clear principles around the purpose of medicine, never overlooking the importance of the patient’s psychological and subjective experience. All of this is paired with a strong pursuit of innovation in the medical field and the effort to equip it with better tools to reduce costs and make it more accessible to the public. I’ve always believed that people who create this kind of service—with such solid values—are the ones who truly deserve to be famous in the world.
May 9, 2025
Professionally inspiring
This book shows us that success based on solid and humane principles is completely viable. The stories of employees and associates of this lawyer's firm are living proof of the existence of a true sense of belonging, a love not only of one's vocation but of the place that allows you to practice it. The book moved me very much, as I have always been a faithful believer that medicine and science can advance a great deal, but they can never leave behind the most important thing, the patients. Well, the book reflects precisely that, the story of a woman not only with a business idea, but with principles that are too solid to create that business, principles that are transferred to all her staff and that are an inalienable part of the services they provide. I was fascinated by this story, I wish there were a billion more like it in the world.
This book shows us that success based on solid and humane principles is completely viable. The stories of employees and associates of this lawyer's firm are living proof of the existence of a true sense of belonging, a love not only of one's vocation but of the place that allows you to practice it. The book moved me very much, as I have always been a faithful believer that medicine and science can advance a great deal, but they can never leave behind the most important thing, the patients. Well, the book reflects precisely that, the story of a woman not only with a business idea, but with principles that are too solid to create that business, principles that are transferred to all her staff and that are an inalienable part of the services they provide. I was fascinated by this story, I wish there were a billion more like it in the world.
May 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It’s not just about business or healthcare, it’s about helping people and doing the right thing, even when it’s not easy.
Something that really stood out to me was how she kept her values strong, even when her company got bigger. She didn’t forget why she started it, to help people feel less alone. That really touched me, because I used to volunteer at a small local clinic, and when it grew, some people wanted to make it more “professional” and less personal. But I always believed that kindness and listening were the most important things. Kara’s story reminded me that staying kind and human can still lead to big success.
The stories from her team and clients made the book even better. It didn’t feel like a business book.
Something that really stood out to me was how she kept her values strong, even when her company got bigger. She didn’t forget why she started it, to help people feel less alone. That really touched me, because I used to volunteer at a small local clinic, and when it grew, some people wanted to make it more “professional” and less personal. But I always believed that kindness and listening were the most important things. Kara’s story reminded me that staying kind and human can still lead to big success.
The stories from her team and clients made the book even better. It didn’t feel like a business book.
May 10, 2025
When I think about the healthcare system in the U.S., it is such a complicated and sometimes scary topic. But why not try to understand the innovations someone has made in this structured system? Trott will share with you her immense intervention and ambitious aim to make the healthcare system more humanized. It is true that, as patients, we have many worries—not to mention the paperwork associated with it—but what if, during our time of illness, there was less protocol and more human interaction? Her approach is just fantastic. Quantum Health prioritizes the human being and has grown massively, demonstrating its importance for both patients and healthcare providers. If you want a different perspective on the potential of humanizing the healthcare system, just give Trott’s work a chance.
May 10, 2025
This book made me feel seen, not as a patient, but as a person who has felt lost in the healthcare system. This amazing book will not just discuss fixing a broken system; it’s about bringing dignity back into care. The author writes this book with intelligence and dedication, which really moves me. What this book left me was that sometimes it takes someone outside the system to see what’s truly wrong, and can help imagine and build something better.
What I appreciated most was the deep sense of hope in this book, it’s not about someone writing a complaint, instead is a statement that invites everyone to take action.
What I appreciated most was the deep sense of hope in this book, it’s not about someone writing a complaint, instead is a statement that invites everyone to take action.
May 11, 2025
I liked how the book shows that real change in healthcare comes from caring about people, not just using new tools. Those concepts just sold me and made me want to keep reading. It is an honest and inspiring book. It is very interesting to read about her company's growth and decisions and how that helped patients.
Also, I find it very interesting that she describes the good, the bad and the ugly, the whole thing, not just the pretty picture. This isn't a book about business, I think it's about staying true to the values while trying to survive in the system. One of those books that keep you reflecting after finishing it.
Also, I find it very interesting that she describes the good, the bad and the ugly, the whole thing, not just the pretty picture. This isn't a book about business, I think it's about staying true to the values while trying to survive in the system. One of those books that keep you reflecting after finishing it.
May 12, 2025
As the founder of Quantum Health, Kara Trott writes in "No One Alone" about her experience founding and working at a company that helps people understand the healthcare system, helping them get the right treatment and better service from the healthcare system in the United States. This reading focuses on hard work, resilience, and innovation. Here you will find testimonials from people who benefited from your company and work. It also provides an overview of how the system works to help you gain a better understanding. It's definitely an excellent read that inspires not only about work, but also about how it can help people. Very interesting read. I highly recommend it.
May 12, 2025
In these times where the world goes at full speed and many times you feel that you can't cope with life, it is important to find readings like these that help you center yourself and really understand what your focus should be in order to have a happy and peaceful life. In this book I understood the true importance of uniqueness and authenticity, plus it provides tools to erase traumatic memories, be more creative and above all simplify your existence. I highly recommend this reading, the truth is that if you follow many of his tips you will achieve a much simpler and happier reality, which will lead you to a peaceful and healthy old age.
June 24, 2025
This was an interesting study of the Quantum Health origin and growth. The company definitely fills a need in the healthcare industry, but to me it reads more like Kara's diary and memoir. I won this as a Goodreads giveaway otherwise I would not have read it.
January 18, 2026
Real people helping real people.
I absolutely love the foundation that was built to make real people feel heard in times of need. Healthcare is confusing enough and this book shows there are people that actually care about people as humans not numbers.
I absolutely love the foundation that was built to make real people feel heard in times of need. Healthcare is confusing enough and this book shows there are people that actually care about people as humans not numbers.
May 18, 2025
This has useful information. This was a Goodreads giveaway winner.
June 26, 2025
after 35 years in Healthcare Information Technology working on software development and implementation.... i witnessed things outlined in this VERY informative book.
kinda heavy for the layperson... tho extremely important if we are to rescue this industry.
kinda heavy for the layperson... tho extremely important if we are to rescue this industry.
August 14, 2025
I won this in a giveaway on Goodreads. I think this was a great book about a company that works with people to make a better sense of healthcare and have support on their health care journeys.
August 21, 2025
Great inside look into some of the challenges of healthcare and point solutions, and how using empathy (like Quantum’s Warrior teams) can be key to helping others.
June 3, 2025
Interesting read.... I just wish it was something we had within our insurance company.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews