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Patient Advocate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

UNMHSCHS

PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

... patient advocate and liaison, interface with patients, families, staff and department/physicians. Serve as a role model to promote organizational values, a positive work environment and efficient ...

Phsorg

Patient Registrar I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16.36 - $24.26/hr

Patient Registrar I Summary: Build your Career. Make a Difference. Presbyterian is hiring a Patient ... Refers as appropriate to on site Financial Advocate, or for uninsured to the Financial Advocacy ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPatient Advocate JobsPatient Advocate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Patient Advocate information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$19

$30

How much do patient advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient advocate in Rio Rancho, NM is $19.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient advocate?

A patient advocate, sometimes referred to as a patient care advocate, supports patients and their families, working to get them the best care available. As a patient advocate, your responsibilities and duties include helping clients understand their treatment options and working with doctors to get the client the best care possible, assisting your client to navigate their insurance coverage, and providing general support to the family throughout the healthcare process.

What is a patient advocate?

Patient advocates are professionals who assist patients in navigating the healthcare system. They help patients understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and medical bills, and often facilitate communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers. Patient advocates may work independently, for hospitals, or for insurance companies, always with the goal of ensuring that patients' rights and interests are represented. Their support can be especially valuable when dealing with complex medical or insurance issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Advocate, you need a strong understanding of healthcare systems, patient rights, and relevant regulations, often supported by a degree in health services, social work, or related fields. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, case management software, and sometimes certification such as BCPA (Board Certified Patient Advocate) is valuable. Outstanding communication, empathy, problem-solving, and negotiation skills help you effectively support patients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring patients' voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their care experiences are improved.

What are some common challenges patient advocates face when navigating healthcare systems for clients?

Patient Advocates often encounter obstacles such as complex insurance processes, communication barriers between patients and healthcare providers, and coordinating care among multiple specialists. Advocates must be persistent and resourceful in resolving these issues while maintaining patient confidentiality and trust. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of healthcare policies and patient rights.

What is the difference between Patient Advocate vs Medical Assistant?

AspectPatient AdvocateMedical Assistant
Required CredentialsOften requires certification or training in patient advocacy or healthcare navigationCertified or trained in clinical procedures, EHR, and basic medical skills
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, insurance companies, patient support organizationsDoctor's offices, clinics, hospitals, outpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, insurance companies, patient advocacy groupsMedical practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding patient support roles, advocacy servicesMedical assisting duties, clinical support roles

While both roles work within healthcare settings, a Patient Advocate primarily supports patients' rights and navigates healthcare systems, whereas a Medical Assistant performs clinical and administrative tasks to support healthcare providers. They serve different functions but often collaborate to improve patient care.

What is the career path for patient advocates?

The career path for patient advocates typically starts with entry-level roles such as patient navigator or support coordinator, progressing to senior advocacy positions, program managers, or policy specialists. Gaining experience, developing communication skills, and obtaining certifications like Certified Patient Advocate can support advancement within healthcare organizations or advocacy groups.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Patient Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

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For Patient Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Patient Advocate jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Patient Advocate job openings:

Patient Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Advocate job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, and 93% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,688 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Patient Financial Advocate

Southwest Womens Oncology/Optimum

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Patient Financial AdvocateOptimum Human + Southwest Women's Oncology | Albuquerque, New Mexico Why This Role MattersA cancer diagnosis changes everything. And for many patients, the financial reality of treatment can be as overwhelming as the diagnosis itself.The Patient Financial Advocate stands between patients and that confusion-translating the complexity of insurance, billing, and financial assistance into clarity, confidence, and relief.This role is not administrative support. It is a critical function that protects patients from preventable financial hardship and protects the practice through revenue integrity and compliance precision.We believe that financial advocacy done right is an act of compassion and we hold it to the same standard as clinical care. We hire for attitude and aptitude above all else. Credentials matter, but who you are and how you grow matter more. Who We AreSouthwest Women's Oncology (SWWO) is New Mexico's leading gynecologic oncology practice, delivering advanced cancer care with skill, courage, and compassion.Optimum Human and Optimum Infusion extend that mission into performance medicine, infusion services, longevity, recovery, hormone optimization, medical weight loss, peptide therapies, hyperbaric medicine, aesthetics, and human performance.Together, we operate as a single integrated platform committed to one mission:We exist to deliver new possibilities in medical care, human performance, and health by uniting passion, knowledge, and skill. The OpportunityThis is not a "explain the bill and move on" role. You will serve as the primary financial navigator for patients across both practices, working at the intersection of revenue cycle integrity, compliance, and patient advocacy.You will own the financial clearance process from pre-service through resolution-educating patients, securing assistance, facilitating collections, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. You will work alongside:Clinical teams managing active oncology and infusion treatment plansBilling and coding staff navigating complex insurance and reimbursement workflowsFront office teams coordinating patient scheduling and financial intakePharmaceutical manufacturers, foundations, and assistance programsCompliance and regulatory frameworks including the No Surprises ActYou will be the person patients trust when they don't know where to turn-and the professional the practice relies on to get it right. What You'll OwnPatient Financial Clearance & EducationReview patient accounts and insurance coverage prior to treatment to identify financial risk and outstanding balances.Generate and deliver Good Faith Estimates (GFEs) in compliance with the No Surprises Act and applicable federal regulations prior to initiation of services.Provide accurate cost estimates for chemotherapy, infusion therapy, surgical procedures, and specialty services.Educate patients on insurance benefits, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket responsibility with clarity and compassion.Revenue Integrity & CollectionsFacilitate point-of-service collections and establish structured payment arrangements when appropriate.Monitor outstanding balances and follow up proactively to resolve accounts in a timely manner.Collaborate with billing staff to ensure financial workflows and documentation are accurate and complete.Financial Assistance & Patient AdvocacyProactively identify and secure financial assistance on behalf of patients, including manufacturer copay assistance programs, drug replacement programs, foundation grants, and charitable funding resources.Assist patients in completing required applications and gathering supporting documentation.Monitor and manage awarded assistance funds, ensuring proper allocation to patient accounts.Cross-Functional CollaborationServe as a patient-centered resource for financial navigation throughout the entire course of treatment.Partner with clinical, billing, and front office teams to ensure seamless financial workflows.Communicate proactively with the care team regarding financial barriers that may impact treatment adherence.Compliance & DocumentationMaintain strict adherence to HIPAA and all applicable federal and state compliance requirements.Document all financial counseling interactions, assistance applications, and account activity accurately and completely in the EMR and billing systems.Continuous ImprovementIdentify and recommend process improvements to enhance financial clearance workflows and patient outcomes.Stay current on changes to insurance regulations, the No Surprises Act, and financial assistance program availability.Raise standards through your example, your thoroughness, and your ownership. What Success Looks LikeFirst 90 DaysIndependently managing pre-service financial clearance for new patients.Demonstrating working knowledge of GFE requirements, insurance workflows, and assistance programs.Building trust with patients, billing staff, and clinical teams.Consistently delivering accurate documentation and account follow-through.First 6 MonthsRecognized as the go-to financial resource for patients and internal teams.Actively securing financial assistance that reduces patient out-of-pocket burden.Contributing process improvements to financial clearance and collections workflows.First YearViewed as a culture carrier and operational pillar across both practices.Measurably improving financial clearance rates, collections, and assistance program utilization.Consistently embodying the Optimum Standard. Who Thrives HereWe want people who bring relentless positivity, a hunger to learn, and the drive to elevate everyone around them. You will likely thrive if:You take ownership rather than waiting for direction.You believe details matter.You enjoy solving problems and seek continuous improvement.You care deeply about patients and their families.You value teamwork and accountability equally.You're coachable, curious, and committed to mastery. What You BringRequired2+ years of experience in medical billing, revenue cycle management, or healthcare financial counseling.Strong understanding of insurance benefits, EOB interpretation, and patient responsibility calculations.Working knowledge of the No Surprises Act and Good Faith Estimate requirements.Familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to discuss sensitive financial matters with empathy and confidence.Highly organized with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Proficiency with EMR, billing, and practice management systems.PreferredExperience in oncology or infusion billing.Experience securing manufacturer copay assistance, drug replacement programs, and foundation funding.Familiarity with chemotherapy and specialty drug reimbursement workflows. Our CultureWe act with courage and embrace accountability.We serve with precision and hold ourselves to impeccable standards - then raise them.We reject mediocrity and the comfort of "good enough."We measure success not only by outcomes, but by the integrity, excellence, and humanity we bring to every interaction.Way Better. Extraordinary by Design.If you crave mastery, meaning, and measurable impact - welcome home. Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive salaryHealth benefits401(k)Paid time offProfessional development and continuing education supportOpportunity to grow within the Optimum PlatformThis is a full-time, on-site position at our Albuquerque, New Mexico office.