As a society, we are constantly interacting with different types of advocacy. There’s medical advocacy, for example, when patients and doctors work together to make sure the patient’s voice is heard regarding their health. Then there’s environmental advocacy when people campaign to protect our planet and its resources.
Then, there’s also political advocacy, which strives to create change in our government systems. But what about healthcare advocacy? What does that look like? And more importantly, why is it important? Keep reading to find out what Tommy Shek told us!
Tommy Shek’s Types of Healthcare Advocacy
There are many types of healthcare advocacy, from patient to policy advocates, who work to improve healthcare on a systemic level. Here, we’ll explore some of the different types of healthcare advocacy according to Tommy Shek of TAAD LLP and what they do.
Patient Advocates
Patient advocates are individuals or organizations that help patients navigate the healthcare system. They may provide information and resources, help patients understand their rights, facilitate communication between patients and providers, and advocate for patients’ needs. Plus, patient advocates can help patients check healthcare’s financial aspects, including insurance coverage and billing.
There are many different patient advocates, each with its focus and areas of expertise. Here are some examples:
Medical Billing Advocates
Medical billing advocates work on behalf of patients to resolve billing issues and appeals. They may also negotiate with insurance companies and providers on behalf of patients to lower costs.
Elder Care Advocates
Elder care advocates guide and support older adults and their families in understanding the aging process. They can help with everything from finding eldercare resources to advocating for quality care.
Disability Advocates
Disability advocates work to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to education, employment, housing, and healthcare. They may also provide resources and support to help people with disabilities live independently.
Child Advocates
Child advocates work on behalf of children who have been abused or neglected. They may provide support and resources to families, help connect children with social services, and advocate for the child’s best interests.
Policy Advocates
Policy advocates work to improve healthcare on a systemic level. They may engage in activities such as lobbying for changes in healthcare policy, conducting research on healthcare issues, and raising awareness about healthcare issues.
Consumer Advocates
Consumer advocates work to protect and empower patients and consumers of healthcare. They may engage in activities such as advocating for patient safety, fighting for patient’s rights, and working to improve healthcare quality.
Provider Advocates
Provider advocates are individuals or organizations that work to support and enhance the work of healthcare providers. They may provide resources and information to providers, help them understand the healthcare system, and advocate for their needs.
Community Advocates
Finally, the last healthcare advocacy type by Tommy Shek is community advocacy. Community advocates are individuals or organizations that work to improve healthcare in their communities. They may engage in activities such as providing resources and information to community members, working with local leaders to improve healthcare access and quality, and raising awareness about healthcare issues.
Wrap Up on Healthcare Advocacy by Tommy Shek
There are many different types of healthcare advocacy depicted by Tommy Shek, each with its focus and activities. By understanding the different types of advocacy, we can better identify the advocates that best meet our needs and work to ensure that all patients and consumers have the advocacy they need.