First, always look for a doctor outside the practice or hospital clinic system which you are currently using.. Ask colleagues, family and friends if they have they can recommend someone. If you are internet savvy or have a friend who can help, do a search. You can search by the medical specialty [...]
Check your insurance policy. Some policies have a coinsurance anywhere from 10-30% with out of network from 40-60%. It means you will owe the percentage amount of the bill until the out of pocket limit is met. If your insurance is through a business, contact either the HR Department or the [...]
Yes! I always advise taking someone with you to take notes and be another set of ears. It is easy to forget what your doctor told you. I highly recommend a person with you, if you are going to receive tests results or are planning a surgery. Having support is important if [...]
If you have concerns about a new medication, here are some things you can do to get answers. Call the doctor’s office who prescribed the medication and ask for clarification. You can ask to speak with a nurse. You can call your primary care office and ask the doctor or nurse to clarify. You can [...]
Out of pocket limit is the top amount you pay from your pocket per year. Insurance policies designate the top limit. The insurance company decides what is included in the out of pocket limit. It may include deductible and coinsurance or it may designate the coinsurance only and the deductible separate. Copays are not included [...]
Most doctors will support your right to get a second opinion. However, there has been occasions when doctors get annoyed at the idea. The reason for a second opinion is to learn if there are options. Doctors don’t always agree on treatment and it is important to feel secure and knowledgeable on what treatment you [...]
The medical power of attorney is a legal document that designates the person or persons who can make medical decisions if you are incapacitated. With this document, the hospital personnel has to get the approval for any procedures, surgeries, change in care, life saving measures and discharge plans from the designated person or persons. Without [...]
If you are receiving social security or a railroad employee you are automatically enrolled in Medicare at 65. Everyone else should enroll at age 65. You have a total of seven months to enroll for the first time; three months before, the month of your birthday and three months after. It is important to enroll [...]
When an insurance company denies you coverage for a procedure, medication, surgery or out of network doctor visit, you have the
right to appeal that decision. If the first appeal is denied, you can appeal again. These are called internal appeals. The insurance company has a department in house that will look over the appeal. If [...]
