Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Private Patient Advocate? A Private Patient Advocate is an independent professional who helps patients and families navigate the healthcare system. This includes understanding diagnoses, treatment options, medical care plans—so you can make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed or alone.
How are you different from a doctor, nurse, or social worker? We do NOT provide medical advice or replace your healthcare providers. Instead, We: Help you understand what your providers are saying. Prepare you for appointments. Ask the right questions with you. Help coordinate care and communication. Support you in making decisions aligned with your values. We work for YOU, NOT for a hospital, insurance company, or healthcare system.
Do you work with insurance companies on my behalf? Yes, we can assist with understanding insurance processes, tracking claims, following up on authorizations, and helping you navigate coverage questions. While we do not guarantee insurance outcomes, we help ensure processes are followed correctly and efficiently.
Do you provide medical advice or diagnoses? No. We do NOT diagnose conditions or recommend specific medical treatments. Our role is to: Explain medical information in plain language Help you weigh options presented by your providers Support informed, empowered decision-making. All medical decisions remain between you and your healthcare team.
Who do you work with? We work with: Patients facing new or complex diagnoses. Individuals managing chronic or long-term conditions. Caregivers supporting loved ones. People feeling confused, dismissed, or overwhelmed by the healthcare system. You do not need to be in crisis to work with a patient advocate.
What is a Private Patient Advocate? A Private Patient Advocate is an independent professional who helps patients and families navigate the healthcare system. This includes understanding diagnoses, treatment options. —so you can make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed or alone.
Do you work locally or remotely? Our Contact will be remote via telephone and video conferences.
Do you work with families and caregivers? Absolutely. I often support: Adult children advocating for parents. Spouses or partners managing care. Long-distance caregivers. I help families stay informed, organized, and aligned during stressful situations.
Is my information kept confidential? Yes. All information shared is kept private and confidential. I follow strict confidentiality practices and will only communicate with healthcare providers or insurers with your written permission.
How are your services paid for? Patient advocacy services are direct private pay and are not covered by insurance.
Do you replace my doctor or healthcare team? No. We work alongside your doctors, specialists, and care team. Our role is to support communication, coordination, and understanding — not to provide medical advice or replace your providers.
Are your services covered by insurance? No. We are an independent, and client-funded.
How do I get started? Getting started is easy: Email us at info@thepatientadvocatenetwork.com Schedule your free 30-minute discovery call Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your healthcare journey
Do you help with insurance and billing issues? Although The Patient Advocate Network is unable to assist with any level of billing (including claims, billing, or payments), we can refer you to a board-certified advocate who may be able to assist you.
When should someone hire a patient advocate? People often reach out when they: Feel overwhelmed or confused by medical information. Are dealing with a serious or chronic diagnosis. Feel unheard or dismissed by providers. Are managing multiple doctors or treatments. If healthcare feels stressful, frustrating, or unclear, that’s reason enough.
Can you attend medical appointments with me? The Patient Advocate Network is happy to accompany you by telephone or video appointment.