![]() ![]() What kind of questions can a patient advocate help you get answers to? Save you money by spotting mistakes and negotiating medical bills Gather information and go over healthcare options with you Resolve conflicts between you and your health plan or healthcare provider Work with your health insurance plan to cut your medical costsĬommunicate with your healthcare provider’s case manager Pull together financial and legal resourcesįind you social support such as support groups or local agencies Make medical appointments for visits, tests, treatment, or therapy In fact, patient advocates can do anything from solving a billing problem to sitting with you daily during a hospital stay. No matter what they’re called, they work toward the same goal: to help you get through your healthcare journey from screening and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care. What is a patient advocate?Ī patient advocate is a trained professional who helps guide you (or your loved one) through the healthcare system. Here we’ll cover what services patient advocates provide, how to find a patient advocate, and other advocacy options. As the healthcare system has grown more complex, the need for advocates has also grown. Freeman, a surgical oncologist in Harlem, New York, promoted patient advocacy as a means to break barriers between underserved communities and cancer screenings. Patient advocacy is a growing profession in the healthcare industry, but the concept has been around since the 1990s. That someone goes by the title “patient advocate.” You might even struggle to understand your medical bills or wonder how you’re going to pay for therapy.Īt times like these, you could use a champion - someone to support you through your healthcare journey. You may ask yourself, “Am I getting the best care for my current medical need?” or “Should I get a second opinion?” You may wonder if a prescribed treatment is necessary or if an expensive prescription is worth the price. healthcare system can be scary and confusing. ![]()
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