[Disclaimer: The information provided here is not professional medical advice. I am not a doctor, nor am I your doctor. The following article is for informational purposes only. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other medical professionals for all medical matters.]
If you or someone you know is facing a medical crisis or chronic illness, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help. Everyone can use support in their healthcare journey. That’s where a patient advocate can help.
A patient advocate is someone who can provide support, guidance, and information to patients and their families as they navigate the complex U.S. healthcare system.
Everybody needs a patient advocate.
But what makes a good patient advocate? And how do you find a patient advocate?
In this article, we explain traits every patient advocate should have, types of patient advocates, and where to find the best patient advocate for you.
Traits of the Best Patient Advocates
Patient advocates must speak up on the patient’s behalf and engage with healthcare teams to determine what care aligns with patient and family preferences, goals, and wishes.
Each patient is unique as are their needs for patient advocacy. However, there are traits the best patient advocates all have in common.
Keep these traits in mind as you choose your patient advocate.
- 1. Trust: Choose someone you trust completely and feel comfortable sharing your health information and concerns with. It’s important to have a strong and trusting relationship with your advocate.
- 2. Availability: Choose someone who is available and willing to take on the responsibility of being your advocate. They should be able to attend appointments with you and be there to support you during your treatment.
- 3. Communication skills: Choose someone who is a good communicator and can effectively communicate your wishes to your healthcare providers. They should be able to ask questions and convey your concerns and preferences to your healthcare team.
- 4. Organizational skills: Choose someone who is organized and can keep track of your medical records, appointments, and medications. They should be able to keep track of important information and communicate it to you and your healthcare team.
- 5. Knowledge: Choose someone who has a basic understanding of healthcare and medical terminology or is willing to learn. This will help them understand and communicate with your healthcare team more effectively.
- 6. Empathy: Choose someone who is empathetic and can provide emotional support during your treatment. They should be able to patiently listen and understand your feelings and concerns.
- 7. Respect: Choose someone who will respect your decisions and wishes, even if they disagree with them. Your advocate should always prioritize your well-being and be your voice when you cannot speak for yourself.
Everybody needs a patient advocate.
Consider your choice carefully. Medical information is legally protected. The person you choose as an advocate must be trusted to keep that information to themselves and be available to help – even virtual help make work.
A great patient advocate will keep medical information organized, be knowledgeable, and be able to communicate with you and healthcare providers. Through patience, empathy, and respect a patient advocate will take your wishes and concerns to heart. A great patient advocate will steadfastly stand up for their patient and ask questions until everyone is satisfied that the patient is receiving the best care possible.
3 Types of Patient Advocates
Generally speaking, there are 3 types of patient advocates:
- Friends or Family Members
- Institutional Patient Advocates
- Professional Patient Advocates
Each type of advocate has pros and cons. We’ll take a deep dive into each type of patient advocate later in this article, but it’s important to point out that:
EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A PATIENT ADVOCATE.
It’s extremely important to have someone on YOUR side supporting you as a patient.
Friends or Family Member Patient Advocates
Family members often become patient advocates by default. A parent advocates for their child or for their own parent simply because they are aware of a health situation. They want to help their family member who may or may not be able to speak for themselves.
Oftentimes friends or family members begin as part-time caregivers who slowly become advocates as healthcare situations become more and more complicated.
Family members and friends can play a valuable role as patient advocates. They are intimately acquainted with the patient’s medical history and emotionally invested in the patient’s wellbeing.
Studies have shown that “…when family felt empowered and participated in patient care, the quality of health care was enhanced.” (Mackie, Mitchell, and Marshall 2018). Additionally, when family members are involved in care, patient satisfaction also improves.
Lack of training or medical background doesn’t necessarily impede effectiveness. Medical terms may be learned. Good healthcare providers will take the time to properly educate both patients and their advocates and share information from reputable sources. (Important: Dr. Google is NOT always right! Proceed with caution!)
Patient advocates can encourage the patient to ask important questions and identify gaps in access that may otherwise go unaddressed.
By listening to a loved one’s concerns, attending appointments, researching treatment options, communicating with healthcare providers, keeping track of medications and appointments, providing emotional support, and advocating for their rights, family and friends can help ensure that their loved one receives the care they need.
Institutional Patient Advocates
Institutional patient advocates are employees of an established institution such as a hospital or an insurance company. It is their JOB to help you.
This type of patient advocate may appear under a number of titles including case manager, ombudsman, or customer advocate.
Institutional patient advocates can be helpful. They can explain policies and act as a guide through the healthcare maze we experience in the United States.
By all means, use institutional patient advocates to your advantage. They are a wealth of information and can answer a myriad of questions.
Keep in mind that institutional patient advocates don’t work for you or your loved one. They work for the institution that pays their salary.
The primary focus for some of these patient advocates is to mitigate risk or save money for their institution.
Carefully consider where allegiances may lie in this type of situation.
To learn more about institutional advocates, read our article: “When a Patient Advocate Isn’t YOUR Patient Advocate”.
Professional Patient Advocates
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “The complexity of the health care system has given rise to a new professional: the patient advocate. This person is often a nurse, social worker, geriatric care manager or other health care professional who can help you navigate the health care system, including dealing with clinicians, understanding your condition and treatment options, and even helping with health insurance issues.”
Hiring a professional patient advocate can be a good choice in many instances. Perhaps the patient does not have family living close to them or a friend who is able to help. Or the patient is overwhelmed by insurance claims and paperwork. In these instances, hiring a professional to attend doctor appointments and coordinate care may be helpful.
Many professional patient advocates specialize in particular areas like insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Many are trained nurses or medical doctors who can help guide patients through the healthcare system, especially in medically complex cases. Legal patient advocates focus on healthcare legalities.
Currently, there are no state licensing requirements or national accreditation for patient advocates. However, the Patient Advocate Certification Board offers a voluntary certification examination. Passing the certification examination indicates that candidates possess basic minimum standards and competencies defined through this credential.
When considering hiring a professional patient advocate, ask for references and assess an individual’s advocacy experience and history carefully.
A professional advocate will create a contract for services. Read it carefully before committing so you understand the responsibilities of each party within the contract.
Insurance may or may not pay for the services of a professional patient advocate. Contact the insurance company to learn more.
Below are a few links to Professional Patient Advocate Directories:
Alliance of Professional Health Advocates
National Association of Healthcare Advocacy
Patient Advocate Certification Board
(Disclaimer: The professional patient advocate directory links listed are not a recommendation for services. The professional patient advocate directory links listed are supplied solely for your own information to assist your personal research.)
Medical professionals and local councils on aging may be able to refer you to professional patient advocates as well.
Conclusion
Finding a patient advocate can be daunting, but many resources are available to help you.
Everybody should have a patient advocate.
Whether you start with your family or friends, or healthcare team, use online resources, ask for referrals, contact local support groups, check with your insurance provider, research patient advocacy organizations, or consider hiring a private patient advocate, there are options available to provide the support and guidance you need.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help – a patient advocate can be a valuable resource as you navigate the complex healthcare system.
Would you like more information on how you can learn to advocate for yourself or a loved one?
Check out our Resources page for tools and information.
Ready to dive right in? We show regular, every day people like you how to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. Learn more through our patient advocacy online course How to Advocate for Your Loved One HERE.
Recent Comments