Meet Our Team

Dr. Jay St. John

Medical Director | Board Certified in Geriatric Medicine

Dr. St. John leads our team with a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Board-certified in geriatric medicine, he brings years of experience helping patients and families navigate serious illness with dignity and comfort.
Dr. St. John completed his Family Medicine training at Methodist Charlton in Dallas, TX. Following service as Chief Resident, he continued his training in Geriatric Medicine at UT Southwestern in Dallas.
He has practiced in the New Orleans area since 2017 and currently serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine, teaching the skills necessary to provide the level of care that should be expected for the geriatric population.

Alison Thronhill

Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Alison is a skilled nurse practitioner who combines clinical expertise with genuine care for every patient she serves. Alison helps patients manage complex symptoms, make informed decisions about their care, and maintain the best possible quality of life.
Alison received a Bachelor's degree in Biology in 1999 from Drury University in Missouri. In 2005, she received her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University. She completed her Masters of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner in 2013 from Loyola University, New Orleans.
In 2021, she received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Loyola University New Orleans. She is certified by the American Associated of Nurse Practitioners and has over 20 years in health care and has worked in areas such as internal medicine, military medicine, hospice, skilled nursing care. In 2019, she retired from the Army Reserves after 24 years of service.

Common Questions About Coverage

Yes. Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover palliative care services. This includes doctor visits, nursing care, medications related to your condition, and medical equipment.

Most patients pay little to nothing. We verify your coverage before we begin and work directly with your insurance company to minimize any out-of-pocket costs. If you have questions about your specific plan, call us and we’ll help you understand your benefits.

That’s okay. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment. You don’t have to choose between getting better and getting comfortable: you can have both.

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance plans, including:

  • Medicare Part B

  • Louisiana Medicaid

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Aetna

  • UnitedHealthcare

  • Humana

  • Cigna


If you don’t see your plan listed or want to confirm your coverage, call us at one of the numbers below and we’ll verify your benefits and answer any questions.

 

About Palliative Specialists of Louisiana

We believe that serious illness doesn’t have to mean suffering. Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms and stress, at any stage of illness, alongside your other treatments.
We bring that care directly to your home because we know that’s where you’re most comfortable. Surrounded by family, your favorite chair, the sounds and routines that bring you peace, that’s where healing happens.
Our approach is simple: listen first, then act. Every treatment plan is built around your goals, your values, and what matters most to you. We work hand-in-hand with your doctors to coordinate care, manage symptoms, and help you navigate complex medical decisions with clarity and confidence.