For Patients

We offer patient advocacy and help with navigating different healthcare systems within the Hospital.

Patient Resources
• Financial Assistance
• Map to University Hospital
• OCA Newsletters
• Patient’s Rights & Responsibilities
• Community Resources

To file a dispute or grievance for any issues like care or access that you haven’t been able to resolve with your doctor or nurse, you can file a grievance by calling the Patient Assistance Coordinator at 272-0943

Or contact the Department of Health at 1-800-445-6242 or via mail at Department of Health, Division of Health Improvement, Incident Management, PO Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110.

Or get an electronic copy of the Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities.

Patient Advocacy

Ivette Cuzmar, the Patient Systems Specialist at the HSC Office of Community Affairs provides patient advocacy and help navigating different healthcare systems within UNM Hospital. If you need assistance in accessing healthcare services, please contact Ivette Cuzmar at 505-203-5983.

Ivette Cuzmar, LMSW, Patient Systems Specialist
1720 Louisiana Blvd. NE
Suite 300
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 925-4707 Direct
(505) 203-5983 Cell

Willie Barela, the Patient Assistance Coordinator at UNMH helps patients and families who have questions or concerns about the care or service provided. Mr. Barela also addresses grievances or complaints regarding care or access. You may contact Willie Barela at 272-0943 or stop by his office on the first floor of the main hospital in Administration.

Willie Barela, Patient Assistance Coordinator
University Hospital
2211 Lomas Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Administration Area -- 1st Floor
(505) 272-0943 Direct

Karen Atkinson-Smith, Native American Health Liaison, provide assistance with specific questions or needs of Native American patients at UNM Hospitals

Karen Atkinson-Smith, Native American Health Liaison
1650 University Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 272-8170 Direct

Guadalupe Reyes, Manager of Interpreter and Language Services (ILS) Department, provides FREE on-site interpretation services to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients. To request an interpreter, please click here or call 505-272-5399.

Guadalupe Reyes, Manager, Interpreter Services
University Hospital
2211 Lomas Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 272-2528 Direct