What the heck is a patient advocate or patient navigator, anyway?

My friend Marcus, who has been in the country for two years, was amazed to discover how complicated our healthcare system is.  When he and his wife had their third baby here, they were overwhelmed and confused by the amount of paperwork, the many different bills, and the insurance denials they received. This was especially perplexing to him, since they had used a participating doctor and hospital in his company’s health plan. When he found out what I do for a living, he commented, “This is crazy! It is so complicated that there is actually a profession that helps people use the healthcare system!”   Yes, Marcus. And, yet, he was thrilled when I sorted through all of his paperwork and helped him settle all the bills and claims. When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them that I help people navigate through the healthcare maze.  Follow the link below to learn more about what patient or healthcare advocates or navigators do.  

Patient Advocates: In Your Corner:  These professionals pilot patients through the complex healthcare system.