How to Find a Patient Advocate

As health care systems become increasingly complicated, it can be difficult for patients and their families to ensure that the best possible care is being provided. A patient advocate may be the key to navigating your way through the health care maze. A patient advocate is a person, usually with some kind of medical background, who acts as a bridge between the patient and the health care system. Patient advocates can research treatment options, file paperwork, work with insurance companies on billing issues, schedule appointments, find specialists, and assist with decision making. They may even accompany patients to medical treatments.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine your budget. Medical insurance very rarely covers the cost of patient advocates, which can range from $200 to $400 an hour. If the cost is prohibitive, gather information from advocacy groups such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the Alzheimer's Association, or contact the Patient Advocate Foundation, which is a non-profit advocacy group that provides free or low-cost help to patients.

• 2

  Decide what kind of advocate is right for you. Large patient advocacy companies such as PinnacleCare, Patient PAL, Health Advocate and Lynxcare often work through employers on a group membership basis, but some will provide individual memberships. You may prefer to work with a private advocate. Hospitals may have patient advocates on staff. Some patient advocates specialize in resolving billing issues.

• 3

  To find potential advocates, look in telephone directories, use online searches, or turn to AdvoConnection.com, a free searchable database of patient advocates. For a directory of billing advocates, go to Billadvocates.com. Ask trusted nurses, doctors, or medical caseworkers for recommendations.

• 4

  Interview potential advocates in person or on the phone. Be prepared to explain your medical situation to them. Ask about their experience, credentials, services, fees, and how and when they can be reached. Clearly communicate your desires and expectations. You may want to ask them for references.

• 5

  Select an advocate who can meet your individual needs and budget. Sign a contract or membership agreement that clearly outlines services and costs.