What is a Patient Care Advocate and How to Become One?

The healthcare system can be very complicated. From having to find providers to remaining in-network with insurance, paying for bills, understanding diagnosis, and choosing treatment options, patients typically end up having a lot on their plate. In an ideal world, patients should be primarily concerned with getting well, and so, the system and processes can quickly become too much to deal with alone. In an effort to help patients navigate the healthcare system and their treatment, a patient advocate can be made available to ease the burden off the patient and the patient’s family.

The patient advocate role is a noble role filled with important responsibilities. In this post, we will take a look at how to become a patient advocate, as well as what is expected of a patient care advocate.

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What is a Patient Care Advocate?

A patient care advocate is someone who helps to guide a patient through the healthcare system. They are alongside the patient throughout the entire medical process from screening to diagnosis, to treatment and follow-ups.

Patient advocates do exactly as the title implies: advocate for the patient. They do so by communicating information between healthcare providers and patients so that patients can make the best decisions for themselves.

The Patient Advocate Role

Although it is possible for a patient advocate to be a family member, there is an entire profession made up of patient advocates. Patient advocates typically work in hospitals and healthcare settings and may also have backgrounds as nurses, social workers, and chaplains.

On a day-to-day basis, a patient advocate carries out many responsibilities and duties, including:

• Sharing options for tests, procedures, and treatment choices
• Asking for more information from healthcare professionals
• Making sure that a patient’s desires are met and understood
• Documenting any information and medical data from caregivers
• Accompanying patients for procedures, appointments, and treatment
• Providing referrals to patients for healthcare services
• Being the support person for patients with insurance questions or issues
• Resolving billing issues for patients

How to Become a Patient Advocate?

If you’re a person who wants to work within the medical field and know that they are making a positive impact on the lives of patients, then becoming a patient advocate could fit the bill.

To fill this role, there are some qualifications to first meet. These include:

Education

Patient advocates don’t necessarily need extensive education because they learn on the job and can receive certification. As such, a high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum requirement for the role. That being said, people with medical backgrounds are preferred for the role because they have to be able to explain treatments and diagnoses. Additionally, as with most professions, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree offers a competitive advantage. Some well-suited degrees for this role are medical record administration, nursing, health science, and healthcare management.

Certification

When applying for jobs, there are certifications that can place you ahead of other candidates. Some certifications worth exploring are:

• Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA): This certification assures employers and the public that the patient advocate understands the standards and possesses the skills to do well in the role.

• Professional Patient Advocate Certificate Training Program: This is a program that is designed to introduce prospective patient advocates into the role. It’s made for any person who has foundational knowledge of healthcare.

Those who wish to become patient advocates may also choose to continue their education and strengthen their skills by enrolling in certificate programs. For example, the University of the People provides a Certificate in Public Health and Health Services, which can benefit anyone working in healthcare settings, public policy, and community health.

Training

There are online and in-person programs that provide training to become or excel as a patient advocate, such as the Board Certified Eligible Patient Advocate Program offered by the National Institute of Whole Health.  This can include internships for students in hospitals and health centers, as well as membership sites for health advocates that aid in broadening one’s network in the industry.

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Patient Advocate Skills

The role of a patient care advocate undoubtedly requires that a person can handle immense responsibility, communicate well, and empathize with patients.

if you wish to work as a patient advocate, it’s of great value to possess the following skills:

• Communication: This covers both written and verbal communication. Patient advocates take medical and healthcare jargon and distill it down for patients. They handle insurance forms and complex medical diagnoses, and explain various treatment plans.
• Problem-solving: Patient advocates help patients make decisions and overcome challenges. As such, they need to be good problem-solvers as they also may need to work to resolve insurance denials or claims.
• Attention to detail: Patient advocates often handle medical bills and insurance claims. So, they need to pay close attention to detail to make sure that everything is accurate.
• Relationship management: Since patient advocates work alongside patients and medical professionals, they must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to develop and maintain relationships.
• Technical skills: Patient advocates will likely have to work using computers, fax machines, and office equipment, so it’s valuable to have these types of technical skills.

Closing Thoughts

A patient advocate plays a crucial and unparalleled role within the healthcare field. As they accompany patients alongside their diagnoses and treatment all the way through medical billing and insurance claims, they become very close to patients and are invested in the patient’s wellbeing.

Patients may be able to find patient advocates through professional associations, hospitals, and healthcare centers, or hire them on a freelance basis.

Once you choose to become a patient advocate, you are making a commitment to operate in your patient’s best interest at all times and be by their side through their journey to better health. It’s a job filled with great responsibility and a great sense of reward knowing that you can make a positive and monumental difference in the lives of people who need it most.