Tag: healthcare
-
What Is a Patient Advocate and Why Might You Need One?
Healthcare can be overwhelming. Between insurance complexities, medical jargon, and the stress of managing your health, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in information and decisions. This is where a patient advocate steps in to help. A patient advocate is your ally in the healthcare system, working to ensure your needs and rights are…
-
Who Denied Your Claim? Here’s Why Knowing Matters
So, you’ve found yourself in the delightful position of having your insurance claim denied. Fantastic. Now you’re gearing up to appeal, and you’re thinking, “Hey, maybe I should ask for the credentials of the genius who made this decision.” Smart move. Let’s dive into why this matters and how to wield this information like a…
-
Urgent Care or Emergency Room?
Sometimes life throws a curveball—nothing catastrophic, but enough to make you wonder if you should hit up urgent care or the emergency room. Let’s clear that up so you’re not caught guessing when it matters most. Urgent Care: Quick Fix for Non-Critical Issues Urgent care is a solid choice for those moments when you need…
-
How to Overcome the Fear of Going to the Doctor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Going to the doctor can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. For some, it’s a minor inconvenience, but for many others, it’s a source of anxiety, fear, or even dread. Whether you’re worried about needles, fear bad news, or carry past trauma from healthcare experiences, you’re not alone. These fears are valid—but they don’t have…
-
The Smart Patient’s Guide to Evaluating Treatment Options
When you’re faced with medical decisions, it can feel like someone handed you the world’s longest menu with no descriptions or pictures. The stakes are high, but the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s break it down so you can approach it with confidence and clarity. 1. Understand Your Diagnosis (Really Understand It) Before you…
-
How to Advocate for a Diagnosis When Your Doctor Refuses
Navigating the healthcare system can be frustrating, especially when you know something is wrong but your doctor refuses to provide a formal diagnosis—even when they seem nearly certain. Without a diagnosis, getting the care and treatment you need can feel impossible. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to accept this. With strategic steps,…
-
How to Find a Trauma-Informed Doctor
Finding a trauma-informed healthcare provider can make a big difference for patients with past traumatic experiences, as these providers are trained to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. Here are some steps to help someone find a trauma-informed provider: What to Look for in a Trauma-Informed Provider: Finding the right provider may take time,…
-
Strategies for Getting an Insurance Quote Before Treatment
Getting a price quote from insurance companies before a procedure can be challenging, but there are some strategies to try: Why Insurance Can’t Always Provide Exact Costs Insurance companies often struggle to give exact estimates due to: If the insurance company claims they can’t provide a quote even with the provider and procedure code, here’s…
-
Not Happy with Your Annual Physical? Tips to Get a Second One Covered
Getting a second annual physical covered by insurance after a poor first experience can be tricky, but there are a few steps you can take to advocate for yourself effectively. Here’s how to navigate this situation: 1. Contact Your Insurance Company and Explain the Situation 2. Request Medical Necessity Documentation from Your New Provider 3. File an Appeal…
-
Dealing with Difficult Doctors Who Push Back When You Ask Questions
One of the toughest parts of navigating healthcare can be dealing with doctors who get a little… prickly when you stand up for yourself. We’ve all been there—you go in with a list of questions, you ask for clarification, maybe you challenge a diagnosis that doesn’t sit right, and suddenly the temperature in the room…
Recent Posts
- What Is a Patient Advocate and Why Might You Need One?
- Who Denied Your Claim? Here’s Why Knowing Matters
- For When Your Doctor Wants to Charge for Insurance Appeals
- Urgent Care or Emergency Room?
- How to Overcome the Fear of Going to the Doctor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tags
advocacy advocate anxiety appeal askquestions autoimmunedisease boundaries diagnosis doctor doctoroffice emotionalrollercoaster followup health healthcare healthinsurance health insurance in-network insurance insurance company medical bills medical finance mental health mentalhealth options patient patient advocate patientadvocate PCP plus size protection recommendations research rewardyourself second opinion self advocacy selfadvocacy shop around specialist support takethereins testing tests trauma treatment treatmentplan