I just took the past test and it was HARD and totally unexpected. I prepared for months, took prep classes and generally took studying very seriously and it still completely took me by surprise. It looks like PACB is in the process of updating the test again as they’ve made changes to their ethics policy. I’m thankful I passed as I am just lau…[Read more]

Thank you both for your responses. We found a few surgeons and are getting opinions. I’m looking into options too for insurance. I so appreciate your input ❤️.

Jennifer,
You certainly have a niche in a very important area of patient advocacy, and we both know that coding, billing, and appeals are an area that few advocates are well versed in.

When considering challenging the PACB exam, you might want to reach out to advocates who have passed the most recent exam. I took the very first exam offered by…[Read more]

If the neurosurgeon is out-of-network who is the only one who will consider this surgery, then it’s time for insurance appeals! Do you have ACA/Marketplace? You can take that to your state dept of insurance. Self-funded, employer is a little more complicated—usually you have to get to the specialist appeal as the MD with the insurance company…[Read more]

It was great to meet everyone in person and hang out or gab at breaks—so many advocates, so little time. The best part for me was seeing Trish honored for the exceptional lady that she is. Many of us remarked that Trish was our inspiration and guide as we developed our businesses and continue to build our practices. The video tribute to her and t…[Read more]

Lorelei, I wish the best for you and your son, and of course all those caring for him. If you have any other questions feel free to email me.

So many moments! Hard to put this all into one post! It was just so great to meet so many passionate patient advocates that I have “known” for years (via email/phone/Zoom) in person! We were joking that no one knew how tall any of us were, b/c we’ve only seen ourselves seated on Zoom or in profile pictures!

We got to compare notes about our…[Read more]

Update!!

Great news!!!

We were notified today that the entity will be writing this charge off. Needless to say, the client is very satisfied with this decision.

I hope this helps someone!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Kastner CPC, CPMA, CEMC
Owner of Patient Advocacy Solutions LLC
http://Www.patientadvocacysolutionsllc.com
706-200- 8525…[Read more]

Last year, I worked as the physician supervisor of an insurance plan’s chronic care management and palliative care management programs. Nurse practitioners were the ones who saw the patients in their homes (or at least made calls depending on COVID guidelines). These patients received good care. One of the nurse practitioners diagnosed an infected…[Read more]

Thank you, Harley.

It depends on how well it is done.
To be done well, it is labor intensive.
When I had a medical practice, we had a masters level community health nurse who adopted many patients. She became their friend and the person they called.
There are Medicare criteria for the services provided.
They should include at the least a monthly contact, review of…[Read more]

Hi Jennifer,
I know several people who may have lost coverage but was able to continue on with their Medicaid thanks to their advocates.
Thank you for sharing this information

Marc.