What Is a Patient Advocate?
Patient advocates are professionals who serve as a liaison between patients and others who are involved somehow in the health of the individual. The advocate may serve as the patient contact with healthcare providers like doctors and nurses. It is not unusual for a patient advocate to also interface with social service agencies, legal counsel, and insurance companies as part of their duties. In general, the patient advocate seeks to ensure the patient receives the medical attention needed, as well as protect the patient from any bias in the workplace due to a medical condition. There are many careers in which the work of a patient advocate is included in the range of responsibilities. A social worker often takes on the role of advocate in order to provide decent medical care for individuals and families. General practitioners, nurses, psychologists also practice some degree of advocacy as they seek to connect patients with health care options in the community. There are also legal prof
The patient advocate ensures that patient and family issues and concerns are heard and addressed appropriately and immediately. She investigates and follows-up with hospital staff to facilitate the resolution of issues and concerns for the purpose of maximizing patient satisfaction. The two-way communication between the patient advocate and patient/family demonstrates the commitment of Delnor to its patients and continues to nurture their trust and respect. The patient advocate is a resource provided by Delnor Hospital for: • Patients • Patients family • Appropriate other(s) This service is provided in all areas within Delnor Hospital. The patient advocate acts as a liaison or bridge between: • Patient/family/appropriate other(s) • Hospital staff and systems The patient advocate is here to help you.
Patient advocates come in a variety of specialties. No matter the field, their primary job is to ensure that patients receive the care they need and stand up for patients’ rights. Basically, patient advocacy encompasses any job that is for a patient’s benefit. Patient advocates can be government agencies, non-profits, or individual healthcare workers. For the purpose of this article, we will assume “patient advocate” is an individual. There are 5 main types of patient advocacy: Medical Assistance: Work closely with patients in hospitals providing medical assistance. May help diagnose or treat disorders. May accompany patient to appointments. Must have previous medical experience/medical knowledge. Good job for retired doctors and nurses. Insurance Assistance: Assist with navigating the confusing world of health insurance. Make sure patients have the necessary coverage. Deal with insurance companies on behalf of the patient and/or family. Home Health Assistance: Assist patients who at t
People often ask me what a patient advocate is or what a patient advocate does. Here are a few applicable definitions of the word “Advocate”… • One who speaks on behalf of another (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advocate) • A person who pleads, intercedes, or speaks for another. (www.mdx.ac.uk/www/study/mhhglo.htm) • A person, often a family member, who is designated to speak with healthcare providers on behalf of a patient. (www.ohpco.org/health_care_glossary.htm) The third definition sums it up pretty well. As a patient advocate, I speak on behalf of patients. Advocacy work can take many forms. It can mean talking with a particular health care provider or insurance company on behalf of a particular patient. It can also mean bringing public attention to issues that impact our health. A good example of that is the work I do to educate people to the fact that Migraine is a genetic neurological disesae, not “just a headache.” The dynamics of health care are changing. Patients are becoming more
