How Much Do Patient Advocates Cost?

Patient advocates help people navigate healthcare when things feel confusing, stressful, or time-sensitive. For many families, the biggest question is practical: how much does this kind of support cost?

Typical Costs of Patient Advocates

Hiring a patient advocate is a little like hiring other professional help: pricing often depends on the time involved, the skills needed, and how urgent the situation is. The good news is that most advocates will explain their pricing upfront, and many will start with a short intake call to understand what you need.

Hourly Rates vs. Flat Fees

Hourly rates are common when the work is open-ended or hard to predict. Examples include tracking down medical records from multiple offices, coordinating between specialists, or helping with an ongoing insurance dispute. With hourly pricing, you typically pay for the time spent on calls, emails, research, forms, and coordination.

Flat fees are more common when the task has a clear start and finish. Examples include preparing for one appointment, reviewing a medical bill for errors, or building a short list of in-network specialists. Some advocates also offer retainers, which means you pay upfront for a set amount of time or ongoing access each month.

No matter the billing structure, it is reasonable to ask:

• What exactly is included?

• What is the estimated range of hours?

• How will updates and time tracking work?

• What happens if the scope changes?

Average Price Ranges

Because services vary, it helps to think in ranges rather than a single number. In general, private advocacy fees are often described as ranging from about $50 to $300 per hour, depending on the advocate’s background, niche, and location (APHA fee ranges). 

That range can feel wide, so here is a practical way to translate it into real-life budgeting. These are examples, not guarantees:

• One-time appointment support may take a few hours if it includes prep, questions to ask, and a follow-up checklist.

• Medical bill or insurance help can take longer if it involves phone calls, documentation, and repeated follow-ups.

• Complex care coordination across multiple clinicians may take many hours over several weeks, especially if records are scattered across health systems.

A helpful tip is to ask for a “not-to-exceed” estimate or a phased plan. For example: “Let’s start with up to 5 hours to gather records and write a visit prep, then reassess.”

Factors That Influence the Cost of Patient Advocates

Complexity of the case

A straightforward request, like organizing a medication list and visit agenda, may take less time than a case involving multiple diagnoses, multiple specialists, or conflicting recommendations.

Location

Rates may be higher in large metro areas. Remote work can help, but some tasks (like hospital bedside support) may require local presence.

Experience of the advocate

Background matters. Some advocates have clinical training, billing expertise, or deep experience in certain systems (like oncology care, elder care, or insurance appeals). More specialized experience can cost more, but it may also reduce time spent figuring things out.

Scope of services

Costs often rise when services expand from “advice” to “done-with-you” or “done-for-you” work. Examples of higher-scope services include:

• Scheduling and coordinating across multiple offices

• Tracking referrals, prior authorizations, and paperwork deadlines

• Attending appointments (in person or virtually)

• Reviewing itemized bills, denials, and appeal steps

• Ongoing weekly check-ins and follow-through

If you are trying to control cost, scope is your best lever. The more specific you are about what you want help with, the easier it is for an advocate to price the work.

Ways to Reduce Patient Advocate Costs

If the idea of paying out of pocket feels stressful, you have options. Many people combine a smaller amount of paid support with free or lower-cost resources.

Insurance or Employer Benefits

Health insurance does not usually pay for private patient advocacy as a standard benefit, but employer-sponsored advocacy programs are more common than many people realize. Some universities and employers offer a healthcare advocacy service “at no cost” to benefits-eligible employees and families.

If you are employed (or covered under someone else’s benefits), check:

• Your HR benefits portal

• Your employee assistance program (EAP) materials

• “Health advocacy” or “care navigation” benefits
  
  

  Even if the service is not labeled “patient advocate,” it may still help with claims, finding in-network care, and making sense of bills.

Sliding Scale or Nonprofit Options

If paying hourly rates is not realistic right now, consider lower-cost alternatives:

• Hospital patient relations or patient advocate offices (often available within the hospital system)

• Condition-specific nonprofits that offer navigation or support programs

• Area Agencies on Aging and local elder support networks for older adults

• State or community programs that help with coverage questions and care coordination

If you do hire a private advocate, you can still ask if they offer a sliding scale, a capped project fee, or a shorter “starter package” that focuses on the most urgent issues.

Bundled Services

Bundled services can make costs more predictable. Examples include:

• A flat-fee “visit prep + follow-up” package

• A multi-visit bundle for a new diagnosis period

• A short-term retainer for a high-intensity month

Bundling can also help you focus the work. Instead of “help with everything,” you and the advocate agree on a clear deliverable, like a care plan summary, a list of open questions for your clinician, and a timeline of next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth paying for a patient advocate?

It can be, especially when the alternative is missed care, delayed treatment, or ongoing confusion that drains time and energy. Patient advocacy may be most valuable when you are dealing with a new diagnosis, multiple specialists, repeated billing issues, or a situation where you feel unheard or rushed. Still, it is okay to start small: one paid consult can help you decide whether more support is worth the cost.

Can I hire a patient advocate for one appointment?

Yes. Many advocates offer limited-scope help, such as preparing questions, organizing a short medical history, and creating a one-page summary to bring to the visit. This can be a good option if you want support but need to keep costs contained.

Are there free patient advocacy services available?

Sometimes. Hospital-based advocates, employer benefits, and nonprofit programs may offer free or low-cost support. Another cost-lowering strategy is to use a trusted family member or friend as an informal advocate for appointments and organizing information, while a professional advises behind the scenes for a smaller number of hours.

Takeaway

Patient advocate costs vary, but you usually have choices in how you pay and how much help you use. Hourly rates, flat fees, and bundled packages can all work, depending on whether your needs are short-term or ongoing. If cost is a concern, look for employer-sponsored advocacy, consider nonprofit options, and keep the scope tight so you are paying for the support that matters most right now.

If you are looking for a lower-cost way to get support, you can start with a focused advocacy package or short consult, and explore options at aviatorhealth.co/signup. 

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding mobility aids or medical conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

Sources

Schuler, E. (2021). History and trends in the field of healthcare advocacy (CSA Journal). Alliance of Professional Health Advocates. https://aphadvocates.org/assets/History-Trends-CSA-Schuler-12.21.pdf