You want to advance your career in healthcare. How can you find the best patient advocacy services?

1 Identify your goals

Before you look for patient advocacy services, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to work as an independent consultant, join an existing organization, or start your own business? Do you want to specialize in a certain area, such as chronic conditions, elder care, or mental health? Do you want to focus on education, navigation, mediation, or coordination? By identifying your goals, you can narrow down your options and find the services that match your interests and needs.

2 Research the market

Once you have your goals in mind, you need to research the market for patient advocacy services. You can start by looking at the websites of professional associations, such as the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA) or the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC), to learn more about the standards, ethics, and best practices of the field. You can also browse online directories, such as AdvoConnection or WEGO Health, to see what kinds of services are available and how they are priced. You can also network with other patient advocates, through social media, forums, or events, to get insights and recommendations.

3 Compare the options

After you have done some research, you need to compare the different options for patient advocacy services. You can use criteria such as the scope, quality, cost, and reputation of the services to evaluate them. You can also look for testimonials, reviews, or ratings from previous or current clients to get a sense of their satisfaction and outcomes. You can also contact the service providers directly and ask them questions about their qualifications, experience, approach, and results. You can also request a free consultation or a sample of their work to see if they meet your expectations.

4 Choose the best fit

Finally, you need to choose the best fit for your career goals and needs. You should consider not only the technical aspects of the patient advocacy services, but also the personal and professional fit. You should look for a service that aligns with your values, vision, and style. You should also look for a service that offers you flexibility, support, and growth opportunities. You should also look for a service that has a proven track record of success and a positive impact on the patients and the healthcare system.

By following these tips, you can find the best patient advocacy services to advance your career in healthcare. You can use these services to improve your skills, knowledge, and reputation as a patient advocate. You can also use these services to make a difference in the lives of the people you serve and the healthcare system you work in.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?