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.

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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

 

Example 1

Medical Technician - Patient Advocate
Job Description

Exciting opportunity with specialty medical clinic. Tremendous growth potential!

We have TMS Technician positions available with NeuroStim TMS! Skilled individuals who desire to make a difference in patient care with a breakthrough, FDA cleared medical treatment are encouraged to apply!

Our independent, state-of-the-art TMS Centers are dedicated to offering all mental health professionals and their patients one of the most advanced options for treating major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, anxiety disorders including OCD, PTSD, general anxiety disorder, and other mood disorders. We offer a non-invasive and highly effective outpatient procedure that has helped thousands of patients who have not responded well to drug therapy.

We are seeking TMS Technicians who will be trained to administer in-office therapeutic treatments under the direction of our treating physician(s). This individual's primary responsibility will be to administer and manage specific clinical services, interact regularly with patients, and complete additional office administrative tasks when time permits. This individual will work closely with our providers and clinical staff and be responsible for daily treatments, patient scheduling, and updates to patient records. They will also learn how to discuss what TMS is (training provided), how it works, and what to expect with interested prospective patients. Compensation for this position will be commensurate with both experience as well as your potential for growth and development within this position.

Primary responsibilities are, but not limited to:
Delivering TMS Treatment to our patients - training is provided
Providing educational consultations to interested patients
Providing a safe and therapeutic environment for daily treatment sessions
Office administrative tasks such as managing leads, reporting statistical activity to center manager, scheduling appointments, and handling all medical records in compliance with HIPAA.
Follow established treatment and office procedures
Maintain a high degree of accuracy regarding all details

Minimum Qualifications:
Two or more years of related experience required (CNA, CMT, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician (Ultrasound, Radiology, Dialysis, Pharm)
Proficient in Microsoft Office with exposure to some data management software experience
Experience addressing any patient's medical conditions or symptoms
Soft marketing / administrative clerical work
Experience with operating a medical/mechanical device preferred

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Electronic Healthcare Record Experience
Insurance knowledge
Clinical Interviewing
Basic Life Support Certification
Bachelor’s degree (any)
Psychology degree (preferred)

Characteristics of our employees:
Displays a &;patient first&; mentality
Willingness to be coached
Punctuality and Professionalism
Self-starter and self-manager
Exemplifies strong work ethic and operates with highest level of integrity in and outside of the office
Acts courteously with all patients, staff, and doctors
Detail-oriented
Physically able to stand on feet for many hours at a time
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

This position will be located in our Federal Way clinic, and may require occasional travel to our other regional locations.

Hours of operation are 7:00am - 5:00pm, however may be flexible and vary depending on our patients' needs. We are a growing company seeking dedicated individuals who will be key employees as we expand into larger marketplaces.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Health insurance
Health savings account
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Supplemental Pay:
Bonus pay

Education:
Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:
Medical office experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Patient care: 1 year Location: One location
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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 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

If this Patient Advocate job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, see our job descriptions for related positions:

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Frequently asked questions about Patient Advocates

 

What is the difference between a Patient Advocate and a Geriatric Care Manager?

The difference between a Patient Advocate and a  Geriatric Care Manager lies in their job focus areas and the types of people they help. For example, Patient Advocates can have a variety of patients ranging in age and health conditions. In contrast, Geriatric Care Managers typically specialize in patient care for elderly patients. Further, Patient Advocates focus on helping patients understand their insurance eligibility and available healthcare providers. 

In contrast, Geriatric Care Managers help elderly patients and their families adjust to changing treatment needs. They organize proper living accommodations, help families understand how to take care of their elderly loved ones and develop care plans for patients.

 

What are the daily duties of a Patient Advocate?

On a typical day, a Patient Advocate starts by reviewing their appointment schedule. They contact patients or their loved ones to confirm appointment times and make adjustments to their schedule based on their patients’ needs. Throughout the day, they visit patients within clinical facilities or at their homes to discuss their current treatment plans and relative payments. During these meetings, Patient Advocates learn more about their patients’ economic status, current healthcare providers and current insurance providers. 

During downtime in their office, Patient Advocates contact local doctors, research insurance companies with coverage options that align with their patient’s qualifications and help patients apply for insurance coverage.

 

What qualities make a good Patient Advocate?

A good Patient Advocate is someone passionate about helping others. They have excellent interpersonal communication, enabling them to adjust the way they communicate with patients, healthcare professionals and insurance companies. Further, a good Patient Advocate has previous experience working in healthcare as a nurse or a related role. A good Patient Advocate also stays up-to-date on local, state and national health insurance policies and payment options to best suit their patients.

 

Who does a Patient Advocate report to?

A Patient Advocate reports to different professionals depending on their place of employment. For example, Patient Advocates working for a hospital typically report to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or the Director of Nursing. In contrast, a Patient Advocate working for a smaller facility may report to the Clinical Director or Facility Director. When Patient Advocates work for insurance companies, they usually report to a Patient Advocate Manager or Medical Eligibility Manager.

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