How to Understand Medical Bills After a Serious Diagnosis
After receiving a major diagnosis, most patients expect the most challenging part to be the treatment itself. But what follows—an avalanche of medical bills, insurance statements, and provider invoices—can be just as exhausting as the...
Does “Center of Excellence” Make a Difference When Choosing a Hospital?
December 28, 2025 | Nadene Bradburn, BCPA, MHA When you’re choosing a hospital, you’ll probably notice titles like Center of Excellence or Designated Facility. But what does Center of Excellence really mean in hospitals &mdash...
I’m not special. You are not special. The US isn’t Special.
I’m not special. You are not special. The US isn’t special. I know that sentiment may seem radical, but why should it? I am important and worthy of love and unique even, but I am not exceptional. You can be interesting and even...
Rare Disorder or Misdiagnosed? How an Independent Patient Advocate Can Help
Given a diagnosis that doesn’t seem right for you? Maybe your symptoms don’t add up to what your doctor told you? Or... perhaps you were diagnosed with a rare disease and not offered much treatment or support. If this sounds all...
New Year, New You by Dr. Elena Borrelli DMSC, MS, PAC, BCPA
New Year, New You A new year often comes with a fresh perspective, a resolution, and a boost of motivation. There are many reasons why you feel your health needs to get back on track. Maybe you're experiencing symptoms that no one can quite figure...
Sepsis: How Well Do You Know It? How Scared Should You Be?
Sepsis has gained increasing awareness over the past 25 years. Despite this, there is still much to improve in how to best prevent and manage sepsis. Knowledge is key and can help prevent death from this suddenly presenting and rapidly progressing...
I Want the Tape: How I Used HIPAA to Force a Response
In this story, you’ll learn: How to use HIPAA’s Right of Access (45 CFR 164.524) to demand your denial records—and why it works. The exact wording I used to push past delays and force an insurance company to take action. Why...
No Help, No Clarity: The Wild DME Chase Before Discharge
What You’ll Learn in This Post By the end of this blog, you’ll know: ✅ Why you can’t always rely on discharge planners—and how to spot when you need to step in yourself.✅ What to ask before discharge to avoid delays and...
From Holidays to Headaches: Why Medical Bills Don’t Wait
What You’ll Learn in This Post By the end of this post, you’ll know: ✅ Why medical bills don’t always match your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)—and what to do when amounts keep changing.✅ How long insurance appeals really...
Navigating Down Syndrome
Navigating congenital disorders, such as Down Syndrome, is a challenging journey. While much is known about Down Syndrome, there is still much to be understood. As with all medical conditions, despite having a “textbook” definition of...
Navigating Diabetes And the Holidays
The holiday season is a time filled with holiday traditions, get togethers, community events, and more. Often, a large part of the festivities involves food. Christmas cookies, candy, pies, and many even a secret family recipe. It’s a tricky...
Enjoying the Season When Your Loved One is in the Hospital
Health For The Holidays Enjoying the season when your loved one is in the hospital The holiday season is truly my favorite time of year. The friend and family get-togethers, the music and decorating, and events throughout the community. I...
Clarity in the Chaos: Making Sense of Code Status Decisions
In the middle of a medical emergency, there’s no time to debate what should happen next. That’s why your code status — and the conversations behind it — matter long before a crisis ever begins. Whether you’re a...
Prioritizing Your Mental Health
Health For The Holidays Despite the importance highlighted about mental health in recent years, it is still a struggle to prioritize mental health. During the holidays, it becomes even more important because, while it can be a joyous time of year...
Common Errors About Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy is so very important. Self-advocacy, if done right, can improve your quality of life and help you attain better health more effectively and efficiently. However, like anything, it must be done correctly, or it can have the...