Hi – just saw your post.

I did have a terrible time with this too – eventually I ended up verifying through my website instead of address. Hope that helps!

Katy,
I had a client that wanted to go out of network, HMO would only pay claims for providers within 150 miles of their home address. The current treating provider referred her to a colleague that was farther away. The only way we got around it was to have my client apply for financial assistance, approved at 100%. Now they go there yearly for…[Read more]

Thanks Carolyn. I have all my clients complete a form about what info can be shared with who. I have been thinking of doing what you outline in terms of having the client sign a contract that doesn’t outline costs, and having that info instead on the Guarantor agreement. Sounds like what you do is similar except that the Guarantor signs the…[Read more]

Hi Cheryl. I’ve had this issue come up before. I typically have the person paying me sign the standard contract. I take out the sections about payment and have the person needing my services sign that. In most cases, the person needing services has wanted the paying person to stay involved in their care. I have a 3-way phone call to make sure e…[Read more]

Hi @LBeck805 – Thanks for your comment but I’d like to give a little context since your suggestion doesn’t always fit the situation. Since Dena and I took over APHA, the way we approach it is to ask the writer/reporter how they want to connect with advocates. Sometimes, they want us to field interest and forward advocate contact information so…[Read more]

Hi Adrina – I suggest you contact the journalist directly. In my experience, APHA provides these “media opportunity” postings as a way for members to connect with the media. It does not facilitate the connection any further.
Linda Beck
Square One Elder & Health Advocacy

I hope you are doing well, Schandelle!

I use a retainer method when establishing a relationship with new clients then I convert them to monthly hourly billing. I do keep the retainer method for some clients if I feel there is a risk of late or non-payment or if they prefer that method. I have not yet had a situation come up that requires a…[Read more]

Great discussion. Thank you all for sharing your experience and Schandelle for starting the thread.

I absolutely refund the full balance of the retainer when our collaboration concludes. And I do it very quickly, generally the same or next day when notified that we’re wrapping up services. It’s how I’d want to be treated. But it all depends on how your contract is structured.

This is a very interesting situation, of all parties involved. Thank you for sharing. During the pandemic in 2021, in-person visitation to any healthcare facility was very restricted. I believe this occurred around the nation. Unsure if this is a solid defense for the plaintiff.

While rarely needed, I do refund when there is a positive retainer balance.

AnnMarie McIlwain
Patient Advocators

Hi Deb,

Please have the media person contact me.

I would very willingly dicuss with themr my experience with over the counter Medicare claims.

Many thanks!
Best regards,
Adria Goldman Gross
MedWise Insurance Advocacy, Division of MedWise Billing, Inc.
PO Box 123
Monroe, NY…[Read more]

Hi Deb,

Please have the media person contact me.

I would very willingly dicuss with themr my experience with over the counter Medicare claims.

Many thanks!
Best regards,
Adria Goldman Gross
MedWise Insurance Advocacy, Division of MedWise Billing, Inc.
PO Box 123
Monroe, NY…[Read more]

I have had many cases over the years with very high MRI charges. I almost always reduce them to a very reasonable amount.

Please provide my conact information: Many thanks!

Best regards,
Adria Goldman Gross
MedWise Insurance Advocacy, Division of MedWise Billing, Inc.
PO Box 123
Monroe, NY…[Read more]