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Patient Advocate Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
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9 min read

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Patient Advocate interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you deal with stress, considering the daily emotional toll of being a patient advocate? See answer
  2. What is your position on ethical values, and how do you reflect this position in your conduct? See answer
  3. How do you ensure effective communication between doctors, patients, administrative staff, family members, and other relevant agencies? See answer
  4. How would you handle two simultaneous emergencies with different clients? See answer
  5. Have you had to manage ethical dilemmas as a patient advocate? See answer
  6. What do you consider to be your most important role as a patient advocate? See answer
  7. Tell us about how you would handle a conflicting demand from clients and their family members. See answer
  8. What would you do if you believe or discover that a doctor is negligent in discharging their duties? See answer
  9. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person? See answer
  10. What area of healthcare services would you love to expand your expertise and knowledge on? See answer
  11. How do you ensure that your patients receive the best healthcare? See answer
  12. What would you do after learning that the insurance company denied a patient’s insurance claim?
  13. A career in patient advocacy is a job that doesn’t receive much recognition in the healthcare industry. How do you motivate yourself?
  14. As a patient advocate, you need practical organization skills to meet patients’ demands. How do you achieve this and ensure accuracy in your work?
  15. Tell about your skills that make you a good fit for patient care.
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Hire your next Patient Advocate today.

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Hire your next Patient Advocate today.

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Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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15 Patient Advocate Interview Questions and Answers

How do you deal with stress, considering the daily emotional toll of being a patient advocate?

This question helps you understand how a candidate deals with stress to prevent burnout. You should look out for candidates with strong empathy and work-life balance . What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Understanding of compassion fatigue and secondary trauma
  • Knowledge and use of self-care techniques
  • A calm and concise response

"I understand that compassion fatigue is common within the profession. However, I avoid this by compartmentalizing my home life and work life. This ensures that I can recharge away from work. I also maximize self-care methods such as engaging in recreational activities, getting massages, and taking breaks to protect myself."

What is your position on ethical values, and how do you reflect this position in your conduct?

This question allows you to gauge a candidate's knowledge of ethical standards and their commitment to these standards. You should look out for candidates who understand boundaries and the rights of patients and other concerned parties. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Understanding of ethical and professional standards
  • Integrity
  • Willingness to stay updated through continuous education

Example:

"I understand that my priority is to promote the safety and rights of my clients and their families. As such, I ensure to respect their privacy, right to self-determination, and dignity during our interactions. I also recognize that the knowledge-base of the profession is constantly changing, so I attend courses and conferences to stay updated and relevant."

How do you ensure effective communication between doctors, patients, administrative staff, family members, and other relevant agencies?

Communication is integral in the relationship between patient advocates and clients as it ensures improved care and outcomes. This question tests a candidate's ability to maintain an open line of communication among all parties. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Commitment to positive client experiences
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience maintaining effective communication with clients

Example:

"I recognize the importance of effective communication between all relevant parties. So, I ensure I communicate vital information clearly and in a timely manner. For instance, in my last job, I conducted weekly calls with all constituents members to understand our goals."

How would you handle two simultaneous emergencies with different clients?

This question tests a candidate's ability to prioritize tasks and solve problems in a way that satisfies everyone's needs. It also allows you to assess their capacity to multitask and remain calm during emergencies. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
  • Willingness to seek support
  • Professionalism

Example:

"My first reaction would be to analyze the situation and determine which of the issues is more pressing. After this, I'd determine which of the issues has a more accessible solution and decide on a response. I'd also contact my supervisor to provide support to my other client."

Have you had to manage ethical dilemmas as a patient advocate?

This question allows you to understand a candidate's morals and how they respond to ethical issues in the workplace. Focus on how they reach a morally sound conclusion rather than the situation giving rise to the dilemma. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Strong decision-making skills
  • Experience handling ethical dilemmas
  • Commitment towards the client

Example:

"I've had clients who hold a different religious belief from mine. I recognize the overwhelming effect of unconscious bias on provision of care. As such, I constantly examine my actions to ensure that I treat my clients with respect. I also focus on seeing my client as a human being first, rather than in terms of their religion, and this has helped me record improved relationships."

What do you consider to be your most important role as a patient advocate?

This question allows you to assess a candidate's knowledge of their duties as caretakers. This is essential because they must inform their patients of their relevance. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Deep understanding of the role of patient advocates
  • Passion for the role
  • Relevance of the role within the healthcare industry

Example:

"As a patient advocate, my job is to help patients navigate the healthcare system, usually from the initial screening to receiving treatment. For instance, I help clients manage their insurance claims and understand their treatment plans. I'm even more passionate about this role because it aids effective treatment and improves medical outcomes."

Tell us about how you would handle a conflicting demand from clients and their family members.

Patient advocates often receive conflicting instructions from patients and family members. This question allows you to test how they handle such requests. Look out for candidates who can manage both parties' tension in the patient's best interest. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Commitment to patient's well-being
  • Professionalism 
  • Communication skills 

Example:

"I'd listen to every party and their recommendations regarding the best possible option for the patient. This is to ensure that they understand that their opinions are important and respected. Afterwards, I'd consider their recommendations in light of what's best for my client. I would then explain and convince them of the best option to enable the patient's recovery."

What would you do after learning that the insurance company denied a patient's insurance claim?

It's common for insurance companies to deny insurance claims, and patient advocates must provide adequate support to help patients cope. This question tests a candidate's ability to explore other available options with patients and review insurance claims. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Understanding of medical insurance claims
  • Ability to communicate with client
  • Attention to detail

Example:

"I'd inform the client about the status of their insurance claim. Then, I'd calm the patient by discussing the options they can explore to access support and finance their treatment cost. I'd also ensure I review the claim to understand the reason for the denial and if we can rectify it."

What would you do if you believe or discover that a doctor is negligent in discharging their duties?

This question allows you to gauge a candidate's ability to prioritize the best care for a patient by reporting critical issues. Candidates must understand how to handle this kind of situation, such as informing the relevant authorities. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Commitment to the best care for patients
  • Professionalism
  • Decision-making capabilities concerning ethical issues

Example:

"When faced with a negligent doctor, my priority is to ensure the best possible care for my client. I'd file a report with the management citing incidence of negligence on the part of the doctor. I'd also request the transfer of my client to the care of a more qualified doctor."

A career in patient advocacy is a job that doesn't receive much recognition in the healthcare industry. How do you motivate yourself?

This question allows you to identify whether the candidate is motivated and passionate about the job. This will help you determine their ability to deliver on the task, regardless of the circumstances. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Passion for care services
  • Ability to stay motivated
  • Professionalism

Example:

"I hardly need thanks from patients for my services. I'm passionate about ensuring that people get the best healthcare, and contributing to that through my services is enough thanks in itself. This commitment and seeing patients enjoy improved outcomes helps me stay motivated."

Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?

Patient care requires a considerable level of empathy, and this question allows you to gauge a candidate's compassion level. Listen for personal experiences where the candidate has demonstrated compassion in the past. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Empathy 
  • Strong active listening skills
  • Responsiveness to patients' needs

Example:

"Compassion is a necessary attribute as a patient advocate. I consider myself a compassionate person and demonstrate it in my interaction with patients. I always strive to be empathetic and responsive to my patients' needs. For instance, I constantly motivate my patients during their treatments and instill belief in them to help them get through the process."

What area of healthcare services would you love to expand your expertise and knowledge on?

This question aims to determine a candidate's interest within the field of patient advocacy. It also allows you to gauge their willingness to learn and expand their knowledge base. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Passion for healthcare
  • Commitment to a patient advocate career
  • Willingness to learn

Example:

"I find the entire field of patient advocacy interesting. However, one aspect that I'm even more keen about is geriatric care because I'm passionate about helping elderly people enjoy improved quality of life. I've taken various courses over the years to prepare for a specialization in this area."

As a patient advocate, you need practical organization skills to meet patients' demands. How do you achieve this and ensure accuracy in your work?

Patient advocates need to meet the needs of multiple clients across various stages of their healthcare needs. They must be able to organize their duties for efficiency. This is a question that allows you to assess a candidate's organizational skills. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Attention to detail
  • Organization skills 
  • Ability to prioritize

Example:

"I ensure accuracy in my work by scheduling my responsibilities based on priority. I also use a scheduling tool to set my deadlines, usually a day before the official deadline. This ensures I complete tasks early enough and review them to ensure I have everything covered."

How do you ensure that your patients receive the best healthcare?

This question aims to help you understand a candidate's ability to meet patients' needs, regardless of challenges. You can also determine the presence of competency skills that such candidates require. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Knowledge of healthcare 
  • Ability to organize

Example:

"Usually, coordinating care is interdisciplinary and comes with some challenges. However, I maximize open communication to ensure efficiency. For instance, when my client requires care from a physical therapist, a nurse, and a nutritionist, I ensure strong and open communication between all parties to ensure collaboration in the care delivery. I also ensure that I don't leave out my client by involving them in all stages."

Tell us about your skills that make you a good fit for patient care.

This question aims to identify the technical and soft skills a candidate possesses and their alignment with the role. This can help you determine if they're a good fit for the role. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Written and verbal communication skills
  • Understanding of the role
  • Passion for healthcare

Example:

"My role as a patient advocate involves helping patients enjoy better outcomes of medical experience. To achieve this, I possess strong communication skills that ensure I can inform patients and receive feedbacks from them. I'm also passionate about healthcare, as demonstrated in my empathy and compassion for patients. I combine this with attention to detail and organization skills to achieve the best results."

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