Influential Woman · Patient Advocacy
Stephanie Ball
Founder and Principal, Patient Advocate Network, LLC
CA
Her Story
About Stephanie
I founded Patient Advocate Network, LLC one year ago after 17 years in patient advocacy. I specialize in supporting midlife women in the sandwich generation who juggle careers, family, aging parents, and their own health needs like perimenopause and menopause. Through my services, I attend medical appointments remotely via video or conference call, research treatment options, review medication lists and medical records, handle prior authorizations, and provide care coordination. My goal is to reduce overwhelm so clients feel informed, supported, and confident in their healthcare decisions. I am board certified nationally as a patient advocate and maintain a California Life and Health insurance license.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to getting in the right environments and learning from other patient advocates who are more seasoned than I, as well as collaborating with those just coming into the field. I thrive in collaborative environments where people bring their experiences to the table, spark interest, and help each other grow professionally and personally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received is don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Anyone can be an advocate through lived experience, whether caring for family members or others. It takes certain qualities to journey with someone, and lived experience is number one. Turn those skills into a professional path. There is a business of patient advocacy, and being an independent private patient advocate means your client is the patient, not the healthcare system.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There are opportunities for independent patient advocates to connect with people in their local communities to get the word out that we exist. Many people don't know patient advocates are available outside healthcare systems, providing objective support without bias. Non-profits also help based on income, and it's important for people to know these resources exist.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are trust, connection, the ability to learn from others as you grow, and having a mindset and heart of a servant.
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