Why You Need a Patient Advocate

Imagine you are in a foreign country, you do not speak the language, you cannot read the signage, you do not know how to navigate the transportation system, and worse yet, you don't even know what questions to ask or even to whom to inquire. Many times, those attempting to navigate our healthcare system can feel as though they suddenly are in a foreign land, and they wish they had an experienced partner to guide them to their planned destination.

If you resonate with this personally or as a loved one of someone navigating the healthcare system, a patient advocate or professional healthcare consultant may be just the guide you have been hoping for! A professional advocate knows the healthcare system, what questions to ask, what numbers to call, and which specialties to contact. At Alongside Health Partners, we go one step further as we are trained health care professionals plus advocates. We have been at the bedside, the offices, the labs and the imaging centers. We know what should happen as standard of care and what isn't best practice. The questions to ask are second nature to us and our goal is to provide you with clarity, comfort, and compassion on your journey.

A healthcare advocate doesn't tell you what to do or what medications to take or what treatments to agree to, instead, we discuss all the options your provider has given you, help you weigh the pros and cons, clarify any medical jargon, prep you for any follow up visits, and coordinate with specialists and loved ones. We do all of this in close, consistent communication with you in order to empower you - to show you that you CAN do this! You can have peace and clarity even in the midst of difficult days. It would be our honor to walk with you as your healthcare guide and advocate. Please reach out to us today!