A patient advocate’s job is to support patients throughout their medical treatment in various ways. They help navigate the insurance system, explain medication and treatment options, and track procedures and medications that the patient has received. Often, a patient advocate interacts with the insurance company on the patient’s behalf to ensure they understand their coverage and benefits. This can involve explaining medical bills to help patients understand their financial responsibilities and helping them find resources, such as charitable funds for low-income patients or state and federal assistance programs.

In addition to financial support, a patient advocate may help patients and their families understand treatment options and make informed decisions about end-of-life care. The role often includes providing emotional support for patients who lack strong support systems. Patient advocates may also accompany patients to appointments, including visits with healthcare providers, laboratory tests, and imaging procedures. During these visits, they may take notes, ask questions, and help ensure the patient fully understands their options both during and after the visit.

Patient Advocate Vs. Patient Navigator

While a patient advocate is hired by the patient or their family to act as an outside representative, a patient navigator is an employee of a medical organization who helps patients schedule appointments and services and use them effectively. They also help patients understand diagnoses and treatment options, enabling more informed decision-making. For many patients, the navigator is easier to reach than their physician for questions about medications or discussing complex information about their prognosis (Adler, 2012).

Career Opportunities in Patient Advocacy

Patient advocates have the opportunity to profoundly impact the lives of both patients and their families. Many families struggle to navigate complex healthcare systems due to financial constraints, time limitations, or language barriers. Having a patient advocate allows these families to make more informed decisions and spend more time with their loved ones in medical crises or during end-of-life care. For many families, a patient advocate can be a crucial support system during times of confusion and loss. Often, patient advocates are individuals who have previously experienced such care and were inspired to help others in similar situations.

Patient advocates may work independently or for nonprofit organizations that contract directly with patients. The specific role of a patient advocate may vary depending on the employer and the structure of the organization. However, the primary goal of a patient advocate is always to prioritize the patient’s needs, ensuring they receive the healthcare and attention to which they are entitled as consumers of the organization’s services.

Many patient advocates come from backgrounds in nursing or social work, and their education ranges from an associate degree to a master’s degree in fields such as sociology, social work, nursing, or health information. Certification programs are also available to help individuals understand the specific role of a patient advocate within different healthcare settings, including clinical facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living centers.

Some individuals may transition into patient advocacy after a career in nursing, seeking more opportunities to support patients in navigating the healthcare system. In their previous nursing roles, they may not have had the time or resources to assist patients as much as they would have liked. Others enter the field of patient advocacy immediately after completing their degree, continuing their education to better serve their clients and expand their expertise.