What is a patient advocate?
A patient advocate (or medical advocate) assists patients in navigating the US healthcare system. A medical advocate provides assistance with identifying the care you need, finding the right provider, managing costs and more.
Is a patient advocate the same as a concierge doctor?
No. A patient advocate does not provide concierge medical services or care, but does ensure that your physicians (concierge or otherwise) provide you with the correct standard of care.
Do I need a medical advocate if I already have a doctor?
While you may already have a primary care or concierge physician or be working with a combination of primary and specialist physicians, these individual caregivers seldom act as a team. A medical advocate facilitates team communication to ensure you have the time and information you need to dedicate to recovery.
Can a patient advocate help me if I’m in the hospital?
If you (or a family member) are in the hospital, it can be extremely difficult to get information. In many cases you cannot even be sure who is the treating physician. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult. A patient advocate will call the hospital, speak to the right people and ask the right questions to ensure you receive proper care. A medical advocate can also get answers to you more quickly.