What Are Patient Advocates, and How Do They Help?

What Is a Patient Advocate?

Healthcare is anything but easy. Patients face an endless stream of jargon, insurance struggles, appointment delays, and countless other challenges. On a good day, it’s stressful. But when a patient is vulnerable – say, they’re a senior, or they’re reeling from a complex diagnosis, or both – navigating the U.S. healthcare system can be downright overwhelming.

That’s where patient advocates come in.

Patient advocates, like those at Solace, are seasoned experts who have spent years mastering the ins and outs of healthcare. They’ve been on the inside as nurses, social workers, and more. They’ve seen exactly how the system fails patients – which is why they’re so skilled at making it work.

With an advocate, you’ve got a partner in the healthcare struggle, and you’re never alone. Whether you prefer to be hands-on or let your advocate handle most everything, they’re here to make things easier.

Start your journey with a Solace advocate today.

What Can a Patient Advocate Do?

A patient advocate does whatever they need to guide you through the healthcare system and deliver top-notch care. They can take on a huge variety of responsibilities, including

• Scheduling Appointments: This sometimes means working to expedite visits in urgent situations, or scheduling a complex series of appointments with multiple specialists. Even in simpler cases, they’ll always listen to the hold music so you don’t have to.
• Providing Medical Information: Sometimes it can be tough to even understand your treatment plan, especially if you’re dealing with a complex diagnosis or multiple doctors. Advocates are master explainers; they can help patients understand their diagnosis, their treatment options, and next steps.
• Assisting with Insurance: Advocates can massively reduce the financial stress of healthcare.  They’ll handle denials, resolve billing issues, and even craft appeals. Essentially, they’ll manage your claims so you don’t have to – and they’ll make sure you're billed fairly.
• Communicating with Healthcare Teams and Facilities: Advocates can act as a liaison between all of a patient’s healthcare providers to make sure everyone understands the patient’s care and nothing slips through the cracks. They’ll make sure your doctors are on the same page and keeping you informed. And they’ll work to guarantee care continuity across all of your doctor visits and any facility stays.

Get the support you need: Connect with a Solace patient advocate today.

Who Needs a Patient Advocate?

Anyone can benefit from a patient advocate, just like anyone entangled in the legal system can benefit from a lawyer. Advocates are like having a nurse in the family — they navigate any healthcare problem with a superior level of understanding and skill.

That said, some of the groups who see the greatest impact:

• Older Adults: Advocates help seniors manage care across multiple providers and simplify complex treatment plans.
• Individuals with Complex Diagnoses: Conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases require careful coordination and attention to detail. Advocates make sure patients see all the right specialists, and that no details fall through the cracks.
• Those Facing Insurance Challenges: From denied claims to confusing billing statements, an advocate’s expertise can save a LOT of time, stress, and money.

Advocates are especially valuable during major life transitions, like adjusting to a new diagnosis, navigating Medicare, or recovering from hospitalization.

Find the right Solace advocate for you or your loved one.

Where Do Patient Advocates Work?

The short answer: It depends. In fact, patient advocates can work remotely.

Let’s break this down:

• Hospitals: Some patient advocates are employed directly by hospitals to support patients during their stays.
• Private Practice: Some advocates work independently, providing personalized services directly to patients.
• Solace: Solace is unique, offering personalized advocacy services to patients across the country, and patients don’t have to leave their living rooms.  After you speak with your advocate, they can start fighting for you immediately.

Oh, and Solace is covered by Medicare. Get started here.

Patient Advocates Have Never Been More Accessible

Patient advocates are here to simplify the system, fight for your rights, and make sure you get the care you deserve. But they can only do so if they’re affordable and easy to find.

Thanks to Solace, advocates are readily available to patients in all 50 states. Plus, they’ve been covered by Medicare since January, 2024.

Whether you’re facing a complicated diagnosis, struggling with insurance, or supporting an aging loved one, a Solace advocate can make all the difference.

Get started with Solace today.

FAQ: Common Questions About Patient Advocates

What is a patient advocate?

A patient advocate is a healthcare professional who helps patients navigate the complexities of the medical system. They assist with tasks like scheduling appointments, explaining treatment plans, coordinating care, managing insurance issues, and resolving billing disputes.

Who can benefit from a patient advocate?

Anyone can benefit, but patient advocates are especially helpful for:

• Older adults managing multiple providers or medications.
• Individuals with chronic or complex diagnoses.
• People facing challenges with insurance claims, billing errors, or denials.

What can’t a patient advocate do?

Patient advocates can’t prescribe medications, diagnose illnesses, or replace your doctor. Instead, they work alongside your medical team to make sure your needs are met and your care plan stays on track.

Does insurance cover patient advocacy services?

Yes! Solace advocates are covered by Medicare and many Medicare Advantage programs. Check your eligibility to see if you qualify.

How do I find the right patient advocate?

Solace makes it easy to find the right advocate for your needs. Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll match you with a qualified expert as soon as today.

‍Get started here.