Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a health advocate?
The older you are, the more important it is to have an advocate with you during medical visits.
What is a health advocate?
According to Johns Hopkins expert, Dr. John Burton, “A health advocate can be a spouse, relative, friend, or caregiver that you trust.” A good health advocate is someone who knows you well and is calm, organized, assertive, and comfortable asking questions.
What is the difference between a health advocate and a nurse advocate?
A nurse advocate is a licensed nurse who advocates for your positive health outcomes. Having a nurse present during office visits, hospital stays, and treatments can assure that medical information provided by the doctors and nurses is clarified and interpreted for you and your family so you understand your condition and steps to take towards wellness or treatments.
Are the services of a nurse advocate covered by Medicare or insurance?
Not usually. Nurse advocates are typically hired by families or individuals as a private advocate.
What is the average charge for a nurse advocate?
Typically, nurse advocates charge a retainer fee from anywhere between $500-1500, followed by an hourly charge of $50-$250/hr.
Besides medical appointments, how can a nurse advocate help me?
A nurse advocate is also an educator who can help you with new medical issues, to assess if a treatment is working, to help doctors educate you about your condition and to help you manage your own health.