What is a patient advocate?

If you have ever dealt with a serious illness or have had a family member who was ill and required extensive medical treatment then you know how mind numbing that experience can be. Not only are you dealing with the illness you are also trying to find the best care and make the best decisions on doctors and medical options. For most people this can be very discouraging and stressful. It would be great if you had some help dealing with these things. That is where the patient advocate comes in to help guide you during the stressful time of illness.

 

What is a patient advocate?

 

This is a relativity new occupation. The maze that is healthcare today has created this position out of necessity. Anyone that has had a serious illness has many questions that are not always answered at the doctor’s office. A patient advocate is knowledgeable in various aspects of the medical profession whether it is health insurance or treatment.

 

What skills does a patient advocate have to have?

 

• A great deal of patience especially around the patient or the patient’s family.  
• A good understanding of the health industry 
• Effective communication, especially during trying times. 
• Problem solving comes in handy when there are difficult decisions to be made.

 Patient advocate can work on their own, work for an insurance company and they can be employees of a hospital.



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