Navigating the healthcare system isn’t easy. For many patients, especially those facing serious medical conditions, language barriers, or poor insurance coverage—getting clear answers and quality care can feel overwhelming.
That’s where a patient advocate comes in.
A patient advocate is a professional or trained individual who helps patients understand their medical care, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively with healthcare providers. Their goal is to protect the patient’s health, rights, and dignity, especially when care becomes confusing, rushed, or potentially harmful.
Patient advocates can:
Medical settings can be high-stress environments—especially for patients in underserved communities. Rushed appointments, complicated language, or unconscious bias from providers can result in missed diagnoses, poor communication, or even medical errors.
For peoples whose first language isn’t English, research shows a greater risk of:
In cases where medical negligence occurs, having an advocate can help create a record of events and decisions that becomes crucial in a medical malpractice investigation.
There are several types of advocates available, depending on your situation:
If you’re in New York or receiving care anywhere in the U.S., here are your options:
Most large hospitals in New York City and across the state have a Patient Advocate Department. Ask the front desk, nurse, or case manager how to contact them.
Some Medicaid Managed Care and private insurance plans offer patient advocacy services or care coordinators—especially for chronic illness management.
Visit directories like:
Look for someone experienced in your specific medical issue (cancer, surgery, mental health, etc.) and who speaks your language or understands your culture.
If you or a loved one were harmed by a medical error, a patient advocate may be assigned to help navigate the legal and medical system. At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, our legal team helps clients access advocates and second opinions to support their case.
If you feel confused, mistreated, or ignored during a medical visit—you’re not alone. You have the right to speak up and to have someone speak up on your behalf. A patient advocate can make the difference between getting subpar care and getting the answers you need.
Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, seeking a second opinion, or recovering from a harmful medical mistake, an advocate can give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
If you suspect that you or someone you love was harmed by a medical provider’s mistake, contact us for a free case evaluation. We’ll help you understand your rights and connect you with the resources you need to move forward.