What is a Patient Advocate?
We help you:
Understand complex medical information
Organize your child’s health history
Coordinate between different doctors and specialist
Prepare for appointments and ask the right questions
Helping you understand diagnoses, test results, and treatment options
Supporting post-surgical and recovery planning
Reducing stress and offering emotional support when you need it most
Feel less overwhelmed, more prepared, and fully supported
A patient advocate is someone who helps guide, support, and empower families through the healthcare system. Think of us as your extra set of hands, eyes, and heart when you need it most.
Most importantly: We work for you — not for the hospital, not for an insurance company — just for you and your child.
What is a Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA)?
Not all patient advocates are formally trained. Rebecca Lockard, founder of Pediatric Patient Advocates, has passed the PAC-BOARD exam and has the BCPA credential— taking her personal and professional experience to the next level for the families she supports.
The Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential means your advocate has:
🎓 Passed a rigorous national exam from the Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB)
📚 Deep knowledge of healthcare navigation, ethics, patient rights, and advocacy skills
💬 A professional commitment to always act in the best interests of the family
FAQs
What is a pediatric patient advocate?
A pediatric patient advocate is someone who helps children and their families navigate the healthcare system. They support communication with medical providers, help understand treatment options, and ensure that the child’s rights and best interests are prioritized.
What types of families do you work with?
We work with any parent or caregiver navigating medical care for their child — whether it’s a chronic condition, surgery, second opinions, or just needing extra support with medical appointments.
Do you replace my child’s doctors?
No — we work alongside your child’s doctors, not instead of them. We help you prepare for visits, understand your options, and coordinate care across different providers.
Can you help with insurance issues?
While we don’t provide legal or billing services, we can help you gather information, organize paperwork, better understand the insurance process, and connect you with an advocate who specializes in insurance and medical billing.
How do I get started?
We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit. From there, we’ll work together to create a plan that meets your family's needs.
