Let’s face it, our healthcare system is complicated. Our primary care physicians are so busy, they often can only spend a few minutes with us. There are numerous specialists and a growing number of care settings and most care is delivered at an outpatient location. Insurance coverage usually influences how and where you receive care.
Patient Advocates can help someone understand the medical care being delivered and better understand how to effectively navigate the continuum of healthcare services. Patient Advocates come from different backgrounds ranging from physicians, nurses, and social workers to accountants, insurance brokers or just someone who learned to navigate the healthcare system from personal experiences.
Because of the divergent backgrounds, a patient advocate may be able handle insurance claims, billing, medical navigational assistance, preparation and accompaniment to appointments, hospital bedside monitoring, medical records translation, prescription drugs review, post hospital care coordination and medical terminology translation to plain English and much more.
There exists no accreditation organization or licensing body for patient advocates yet but there are some educational groups that will certify one who have graduated from their programs. Most health professionals are already licensed and certified by a government or a certification body.
There are patient advocates who work for hospitals, insurance companies and some work independently. The independent advocate’s allegiance is to the client only so there is no conflict of interest.
Of note, many physicians say they welcome advocates into their offices and that is not so surprising. Having a good listener present who is trained to ask relevant questions can really improve medical care. An advocate only wants what is best for the doctor-patient relationship.
Let’s give some examples on when one would use an advocate:
- Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment overwhelmed not understanding what was just discussed with you or a loved one? You were just told that you had cancer but that was all you can remember although the doctor explained the treatment plan and prognosis. Patients advocates with a medical background can be another set of neutral eyes and ears to listen and ask the right medical questions so you can feel fully informed and confident of the next steps.
- Your favorite aunt who lives 200 miles away just fell ill and there is no one there to take care of her. Once again, a patient advocate can be there to help the family with her care.
- You have had a trip planned for a long time and all of a sudden, your Dad has a small medical problem but it still requires doctor’s visit and follow up. Why not hire an advocate to take care of your dad while you are away.
Theses are every day scenarios where an advocate can step in and help.
Your mom was sick and required emergency surgery. Unfortunately, there were some complications but you have not been able to understand all the issues involved despite explanations from the hospital staff. A patient advocate with medical background can support you, interpreted and translate the medical terminology so you don’t feel so lost during the crisis.
Facilitates the relationship between doctors and patients I provide you with peace of mind by helping you understand and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system
Some offer free consultation and then charge hourly other receive retainer for long term care
And there are many more examples of how having a patient advocate can enhance your medical experience. As a matter of fact his service facilitates the relationship between individuals and healthcare providers.
Patient advocates are paid by the hour or depending on the length of the service, a retainer fee can be arranged. One may think that it may be an unnecessary expense but no one can put a price on peace of mind.
Patient advocates do not provide medical advice and he or she will not make medical decisions for you.
A patient advocate provides you with peace of mind by helping you understand and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.