December 2024
Are you thinking of becoming a professional, independent patient advocate in the new year because you have cared for others and realize it is something you want to do as a career?
Here are some things to think about before even getting started asking to be paid.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word "advocate" as a noun is a person who argues for or supports a cause or policy, especially in a court of law. For example, a lawyer who works to support another's cause in court is an advocate. As a verb it is one who speaks in favor of or argues for a cause or policy. For example, "shall advocate for minority business".
Some very simple tips to get you started.
Make a list — a formal written list (not just in your head) — of your reactions to the questions below. This will help you organize your decision-making later.
What do you want to do? There are many types of patient advocate. Do you want to review billing (because you have an expertise in this)? Do you want to review insurance plans? Do you want to help with doctors’ appointments, and prepare people to see the doctor? Maybe sit at the bedside of a hospitalized patient so their loved ones can go to work or go home to rest and shower? Maybe do research for the patient (and family) on latest trials, the “best” hospitals or new treatments for their condition? All the above?
Are you good at record-keeping? How formal do you want your records to be? Do you want to buy software, or keep a notebook for each client?
How is your communication? Do you get frustrated easily? Lose your temper? Do people tend to come to you with questions, looking for support? Are you a good listener? Can you avoid giving advice and allow someone to come to their own conclusions and make plans with minimal input from you?
Can you empathize with people less fortunate, down on their luck, who may have beliefs and values different from yours?
There are so many types of advocates such as the “caregiver advocate” who may have a background as a caregiver. An independent patient advocate should not be expected to be a caregiver. You certainly can do both, but bathing and feeding a client is not the role of a patient advocate.
An attorney can be an advocate, but they will need to give legal advice which is also not the role of an independent patient advocate.
At Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy, we focus on patients’ safety and supporting the family to be the patient’s advocate. We do not do long term advocacy but help the family support the patient with what is needed for the best possible outcomes. We recognize that many people who become patients have people to support them, but who is supporting the supportive family and friends? We can offer ideas on communication with the medical staff, ways to choose a healthcare team, how to do the research and much more to help the family support the patient.
Come to some of Pulse’s programs and hear from others. Find support and learn ideas. You do not have to start getting paid right away. Consider supporting friends and family until you find your place and your comfort zone. You may find you can do it all, or just one piece that you are best at. No matter where you fit in, you have a place with Pulse.
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