Patient Advocate vs. Case Manager: What Are the Differences?

If you’re interested in a career in the medical field but don’t want to be a doctor or nurse, you may want to consider a career as a patient advocate or case manager. Both of these positions work to help patients navigate the healthcare system, but they have different roles and responsibilities. In this article, we compare and contrast patient advocates and case managers, and we provide information on what you can do to pursue either of these careers.

What is a Patient Advocate?

Patient Advocates are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and treatment by coordinating with doctors, nurses and other medical staff. They also work with patients and their families to ensure they understand their rights and options, and can make informed decisions about their care. Patient Advocates may also be responsible for handling insurance claims and coordinating financial assistance programs. In some cases, Patient Advocates may also provide emotional support to patients and their families.

What is a Case Manager?

Case Managers work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, social service agencies, insurance companies and government organizations. They are responsible for coordinating and overseeing all aspects of a patient’s care, from initial diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. Case Managers collaborate with a team of medical professionals to develop individualized care plans that meet the patient’s unique needs. They also work with patients and their families to educate them about their condition, available treatments and the expected course of their illness. Case Managers frequently coordinate with other service providers, such as home health agencies, to ensure that patients receive the care they need.

Patient Advocate vs. Case Manager

Here are the main differences between a patient advocate and a case manager.

Job Duties

Both patient advocates and case managers help patients receive the medical care they need. However, their duties differ because of their different focuses. A patient advocate’s primary focus is on the patient, meaning they work to ensure a patient receives the right treatment in a comfortable environment. Their job duties may include assessing a patient’s needs, referring them to appropriate resources and ensuring their overall experience meets their expectations. In contrast, a case managers’ primary focus is the healthcare system. They use their expertise to determine how best to deliver care to a patient and often evaluate a patient’s experiences with their treatment.

Job Requirements

Patient advocates and case managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology or another related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree as well. Additionally, patient advocates and case managers must have excellent communication skills and be able to empathize with patients and their families. They should also be able to handle difficult situations and make decisions quickly.

Work Environment

Patient advocates and case managers work in different environments. Case managers typically work in hospitals, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. They may also work for insurance companies to help patients apply for benefits. Patient advocates can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, community health organizations and government agencies.

Both professions often work long hours and weekends. However, patient advocates may have more flexibility in their schedules than case managers because they don’t need to follow the same routine every day.

Skills

Both patient advocates and case managers work with patients to ensure they receive the best possible care. They both need to have excellent communication skills to interact with patients, doctors and other medical staff. They also need to be able to listen carefully to understand patients’ needs and advocate on their behalf.

Patient advocates typically work within a hospital or other healthcare facility and help patients navigate the complex system of insurance, billing and scheduling. They may also provide emotional support to patients and their families. Case managers usually work with patients who have chronic illnesses or who are recovering from an injury or surgery. They develop long-term treatment plans and coordinate care between different medical providers. They also often work with patients’ families to provide support and education about the illness or injury.

Salary

Patient advocates and case managers both work in the healthcare industry, but they have different roles. Patient advocates help patients navigate the healthcare system, while case managers help patients coordinate their care. Patient advocates earn an average salary of $49,981 per year, while case managers earn an average salary of $56,390 per year.