By Sally Delacruz


Patient advocacy has been described as one of the fastest emerging careers most notably by the Entrepreneur magazine and US News. It is a field that has attracted entrepreneurs, social workers and medical professionals. These are examples of the people who have the interest, skill and qualifications to a patient advocate. This is primarily because patient advocacy has many aspects that require diverse expertise ranging from matters of insurance, health and law.

The health care systems in different countries have become so tenuous that patients have been forced to seek the services of intermediaries in the name of advocates to help them navigate through the challenges in the health care systems. This decision has been informed by the fact that doctors and nurses are not enough in helping patients overcome the challenges in the system such as those of medical insurance.

Advocates play numerous roles so far as helping the patient is concerned. They help in pursuing claims with the insurance companies, explaining the diagnosis and treatment of a disease or even in reviewing hospital bills. Medical advocacy remains one of the most important mode of advocacy and is integral to the positive outcome of the treatment process.

A medical advocate will take part in the deliberations between the sick individual and the doctor. It is the duty of the specialist to help clients make up his mind on tough medical decisions, monitor hospital services to ensure the person gets the best and closely look in the medication such drugs to ensure they are correct dosage. He or she may even ensure the sick is in appropriate conditions to prevent the risk of infection.

Advocacy services may include activities such as transporting sick people to nursing homes. This is very essential especially when the clients are ageing people. They have to ensure the whole process is done smoothly. Sometimes they help in payment services if need be.

The advocate plays an extremely important role when it comes to communication. He or she has to ensure that their client is fully informed on the requirements of the health provider such as the various stipulated rules and procedures. He maintains that the health care provider has all the vital medical information concerning his client. It is the role of the expert to link the client and medic hence ensuring everything goes on smoothly without any anxiety or strain.

This field is open to every person. There is no specific accreditation or license required to venture in the field. However some institutions of higher learning offer special training to interested individuals. Today there are workshops and conferences that are organize training on the field. After the training one is issued with a certificate. There are specific rules and legislation that advocates should observe in the jobs. It is in these gathering that they are enlightened about such matters.

Personal skills are vital. Everyone in the field should be careful not to get too much attracted to their client. The sick person is going through difficult moments and needs your help. It is therefore important to show your concern but know the boundary. Patients need someone who can act as their supporter, believer, backer and spokesperson.




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