Patient
Advocate Costs
Understanding Patient Advocacy Pricing
Patient advocate costs vary based on the complexity of your needs, the services provided, geographic location, and the advocate’s credentials. Independent advocates typically charge by the hour with rates ranging from $100 to $500 per hour.
The number of hours needed varies based on the healthcare issues and how much you want the patient advocate to do the work or just provide guidance. If you want in-person meetings or the advocate to attend appointments with you or a loved one, this can increase the number of hours needed and incur travel costs.
Many private advocates require retainer payments for a block of time or offer monthly subscriptions for ongoing support. You should request an estimate for the case before purchasing.
Umbra Patient Advocate Costs
At Umbra Health Advocacy, we provide clear, upfront pricing to help you make an informed decision. Our services are tailored to your needs, with flexible options designed to provide expert guidance when you need it most. This table provides guidance based on the type of advocacy you need. The total cost will depend on the hours you need. After your first consultation, your advocate can provide you with an estimated scope for your case. You can always purchase more hours if you need them.
$200/hr
Get help navigating the complex health system for you or a oved one
- Research and find doctors, specialists, hospitals, or other facilities
- Review your treatment plan and explain it in plain terms
- Communicate your needs to your doctor, facility or any provider
- Coordinate and attend appointments - remotely or in person
- Make sure your doctors and specialists work together
- Manage senior care, including choosing facilities, handling hospital discharge planning, and coordinating services
$250/hr
Get help navigating medical and mental health issues
- Find second opinions
- Support to manage a new diagnosis
- Explain your condition and treatment options
- Prepare for and/or attend appointments (in person or remote) to
communicate your needs to doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff - Secure mental health services for you or a loved one
- Manage and reconcile medications
$200/hour
Get help managing medical bills
- Collate and organize medical bills
- Review and resolve medical billing errors
- Negotiate medical bill reductions
- Apply for medical bill forgiveness or financial assistance
- Manage and reconcile pharmacy bills
$300/hour
Get help navigating complex diagnoses and medical situations, working with an MD, PhD, specialized RN, or other credentialed professional
- Navigate complex diagnoses (like cancer) or multiple chronic illnesses
- Manage a medical or mental health crisis
- Navigate end-of-life care
$300/hour
Get help with health insurance coverage for the care you need
- Collaborate with your doctor/s to submit prior authorizations
- Fight claim denials through as many levels of appeal as necessary
- Advocate for out-of-network coverage or single case exceptions
- Review and appeal ambulance bills
- Research insurance options and help you select coverage
Patient Advocacy Health Insurance Coverage
Many people ask whether health insurance covers patient advocacy services. Unfortunately, most health care plans do not.
This is because in many cases the advocacy work is to make sure you health insurance company works for you. Patient advocates are hired by you and work only for your best interests, not the benefit of the hospital or doctor. They can ensure you don't get medical billing errors or your health insurance claims are not denied.
You may encounter care managers when you are hospitalized or your doctor's office might even have a care manager. These people can be very helpful, but they work for the hospital or doctor. Their goals is to manage your care, but it's also to meet their employer's goals such as containing cost or making the practice more efficient. These care managers also only provide services for the time you are hospitalized or for appointments with a specific doctor. A private patient advocate represents you in all your health care situations and can coordinate care across all providers. This can be important if you have complex health needs.
How Employers Can Help
Increasingly employers are providing access to patient advocacy services for their employees. These services provide support to employees recently diagnosed with a major illness or for employees who are caregivers for sick children or elderly parents. Patient advocates can provide the expertise needed to get the best health care treamtment possible while also reducing stress and time for the employee. This leads to better employee mental health and increased focus and productivity at work. Patient advocate expertise can reduce the time needed to research and manage care.
Umbra offers solutions for employers. Please contact us for more information.
Learn more about the qualifications required to be a patient advocate or about how to hire an advocate from our Guide to Hiring a Patient Advocate.
You might encounter a patient advocate, care manager or case manager at a hospital, clinic, or health plan. They work for the provider, not you. Only a private independent advocate works for YOU.
Search for a patient advocate in our national directory or let us help you find an advocate by submitting a Help Request or calling the number below.