Title: Who is a Health Advocate - Washington State Health Advocacy Association (WASHAA)
Headings: 
who is a health advocate
what does a health advocate do?
what background or expertise does a health advocate have?
who pays for health advocacy services
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Content: Who is a Health Advocate - Washington State Health Advocacy Association (WASHAA)




who is a health advocate
A Health Advocate is an individual who provides direct and personalized services to a patient and/or their family as they navigate the healthcare system. Health advocates also engage in activities that promote health and access to health care in communities and the larger public. what does a health advocate do? A Health Advocate’s role is to assist, educate and support patients and their families so they are able to make appropriate healthcare decisions for their specific situation. Health Advocates assist patients in medical, eldercare, insurance, legal and administrative areas regarding their long-term or acute care needs. Click here to see Health Advocate services in detail. what background or expertise does a health advocate have? Health Advocates are involved in a variety of different healthcare-related areas and come from various backgrounds and expertise. Those may include nurses, physicians, physician assistants, social workers, case managers, hospital administrators, patient care coordinators, insurance providers, home aid workers, as well as lawyers among others. Additionally, there are many health advocates with or without the above credentials, who have personal experience through their own illness or from assisting a family member.