Hello Diane, not sure where you are located, but I am in Florida and I have found an agent that does cover patient advocates and her quote was shockingly low, compared to what I hear other advocates have been paying, but she offers Professional Liability and Errors and Omissions coverage in Florida ONLY, at this time. My quote was less than…[Read more]

Hi Barbara

I know we have spoken several times. I would be happy to take referrals for clients with billing or insurance issues.

Good luck
Linda

Hi Diane – Have you looked at APHA’s Insurance Center? You can find a link to the list of providers, brokers and carriers who provide underwriting services for patient advocates. Hiscox is often a provider who underwrites policies, and I also suggest reaching out to jerry at jerry@barbaryinsurance.com.

Dena

The patient/insured can request a network exception (they may call it something else, like a network waiver, network gap exception, etc.). If they grant the network exception, they will likely negotiate a “contract” or “single case agreement” with the out of network facility. Also, some insurance companies have standing arrangements with with…[Read more]

Hi Katy, Regarding your question about insurance coverage for concierge practices. The doctor can structure it however they find best, but typically they charge a monthly (wide ranges) or an annual fee. I’ve seen as low as $50/month for one person or as high as $10,000 annual fees for “executive concierge fees”. Some doctors have a family rate as…[Read more]

Thanks so much. I can not believe I never heard of this. Maybe it’s because I haven’t worked with patients that have that kind of money? I will be researching it this evening. The question I have is, do they still utilize their insurance? But, pay extra to get them to the front of the line? This is very intriguing to me. I love learning new thi…[Read more]

Katy,

Many of my clients have concierge physicians with whom I collaborate. Some recommend my firm to their patients. At the moment, I am working intensely with a concierge doctor in San Francisco whose patient has a rare form of endometrial cancer. He, the doctor, introduced my firm to his patient. It has been a very positive experience for all…[Read more]

Hello Katy,

This type of practice has been around for a long time, and is becoming increasingly popular with all of the insurance regulations, errors and fraud occuring these days. It means docs get paid no matter what and do not have insurance companies telling them what they can and cannot do to treat their patient, they don’t have to spend…[Read more]

Jenn,

I have an oncology client in SF and we could use some local expertise. Please give me a call at 908-273-4043 to discuss.

Thank you.

AnnMarie McIlwain
Patient Advocators

Hi Katy,
I believe what you can advocate for in this situation is for the insurance to sign a “single case contract/agreement” with the treating hospital. If a service is not available in the member’s network, there should be a stipulation in the member’s plan that would allow/require the insurance plan to offer it.

I am curious how fat the…[Read more]

A prior patient of mine while I was practicing medicine highly recommends “The POTScast” (Standing Up to POTS, Inc.) which can be found on various podcast apps. This is free.
There are at present 164 episodes. 2 episodes which would probably be very helpful are 109 and 110.

Hi All-

I recently launched a care coordination patient advocacy business in Santa Fe, NM, called MESA Medical Navigation (mesamn.com). I am a registered nurse with years of both in and out of hospital experience, including primary care coordination and oncology nurse navigation. If anyone needs assistance or knows of clients who need assistance,…[Read more]

I’d also recommend the American Autonomic Society for resources

Home

Hi Jeff.
In my past life as a researcher, I worked in the Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center and I recommend that clinic for POTS. Their schedule is extremely booked out, however. I don’t think I can facilitate an earlier appointment but I’d be happy to discuss with you by phone if you have questions.