Patient Advocates
At Lutheran Hospital, you are the most important member of your healthcare team. Patient advocates (also known as patient navigators or liaisons) are here to ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard throughout every stage of your medical journey.
How an Advocate Can Support You
Navigating a complex healthcare system can be overwhelming. Advocates serve as a vital link between you, your family and your medical team. They provide personalized assistance to help you focus on what matters most: your recovery.
- Communication & Clarity: Advocates help explain complex medical jargon, treatment options and diagnoses in plain language so you can make informed decisions.
- Care Coordination: The team assists in scheduling specialist appointments, managing transitions between different care settings and organizing medical records.
- Patient Rights & Grievances: The patient advocates are dedicated to ensuring you receive respectful, compassionate care. If you have concerns about your treatment or hospital experience, they act as a mediator to resolve conflicts and address grievances.
- Financial & Insurance Guidance: Patient advocates can help you understand your hospital bills, review insurance paperwork and identify potential financial assistance programs or resources for medication and transportation.
- Emotional Support: They provide a second set of ears at appointments and offer emotional encouragement for both patients and their loved ones.
Specialized Advocacy Programs
Lutheran Hospital offers dedicated support through several specialized channels:
- Cancer Resource Center: Cancer navigators provide free, specialized guidance from diagnosis through survivorship, coordinating appointments and connecting you with clinical trials or support groups.
- Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC): This forum allows former patients and families to actively participate in improving hospital operations and patient safety. If you are interested in joining this program, please send us an email.
Get in Touch
If you have a concern during your stay or need help navigating your care, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
- General Hospital Contact: (260) 435-7001
- Cancer Navigator Services: (260) 435-7959
- Patient Experience: (260) 435-7915
- Patient Advocate: (260) 435-2525
- Risk: (260) 435-7207