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Patient Advocate Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Patient Advocate, or Healthcare Patient Advocate, is responsible for assisting patients with a variety of illnesses or injuries in applying for insurance and determining treatment needs. Their duties include looking over insurance claims and helping patients compile the right documents, communicating with health care professionals in the local area to determine the right place for patients to receive care and contacting insurance companies to discuss alternative options after denying a patient’s claim.

Patient Advocate duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a Patient Advocate involve serving as a liaison between patients and health professionals. There are varied duties and responsibilities depending on the type of advocate and what the patient needs, including:

  • Clarifying options to patients on their choice for hospitals, doctors and treatments
  • Getting information for patients and asking specific questions
  • Carrying out patient requests
  • Writing down information and answers to questions for patients
  • Accompanying patients to tests, procedures and appointments
  • Keeping track of medications
  • Solving conflicts and crisis situations with health care professionals and family members
  • Making sure patients’ rights are met

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Patient Advocate Job Description Examples

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What does a Patient Advocate do?

Patient Advocates typically work for health care facilities like hospitals or rehabilitation facilities, but they also work for insurance companies, government agencies or non-profit organizations. They work closely with patients and healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the right care and billing options. Their job is to visit patients at healthcare facilities or their homes to determine their needs and to help them learn more about insurance policies. They may also be responsible for ensuring patients pay their medical bills on time.

Patient Advocate skills and qualifications

A successful Patient Advocate will have these skills: 

  • Listening skills to understand what the patients’ needs are and whether they have any problems or concerns
  • Problem-solving skills to solve possible patient problems with health care professionals and insurance companies
  • Decision-making skills so they can make choices on behalf of the patient
  • Communication skills to work with patients, family members and health care professionals for a variety of situations
  • Compassionate attitude in order to give emotional support and help the patients’ quality of life

Patient Advocate salary expectations

A Patient Advocate makes an average of $15.50 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Patient Advocate salary expectations

2025-10-018.6521.8240.85HOURLY
  • Common salary: 21.82 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 8.65 - 40.85 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Patient Advocate education and training requirements

Usually, a Patient Advocate has an associate or bachelor’s degree in social services, psychology, nursing, communications or similar field. Health care administration or management are two other specialized fields of study. Often, Patient Advocates decide to specialize and receive a master’s degree. There are also certification programs in health advocacy to gain a deep understanding of the options in hospital, nursing and home settings.

Patient Advocate experience requirements

Many Patient Advocates are Registered Nurses or have worked in the health care industry in a different capacity. Some start in clinical positions or work as Social Workers before becoming an independent Patient Advocate. If they don’t have previous experience in health care, Patient Advocates can complete internships with nonprofits or medical facilities to learn more about the healthcare system.

Job description samples for similar positions

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Frequently asked questions about Patient Advocates

Job Description Examples

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