Greater National Advocates Blog

In the United States the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting almost every state as there are shelter in place orders by the governors and restrictions are being placed on whether patients can get in to see their providers. As of Monday, April 27, we...

When I started writing about healthcare, one of my first newsletters addressed “ going upstream ." One of the up-streamers I read about was Dr. Jeffrey Brenner in Camden, New Jersey. He developed a model of care, almost 20 years ago, that featured...

COVID-19 Treatment Today’s topic will focus on treatment options for COVID-19. As people are anxious to return to work and resume pre-COVID-19 socialization, scientists are working to find effective treatments. Science takes time, and there are...

Social isolation, loneliness, and anxiety Feeling lonely and anxious during the COVID-19 pandemic has become more prevalent due to the social distancing and self-quarantining restrictions. Uncertainty of the coronavirus outcomes causes anxiety...

Many seniors have what is called a Medicare Advantage Plan MA (most have Prescription Drug plans included MAPD) but never really take full advantage of all the benefits of the plan. Especially now during this COVID-19, shelter in place, isolation...

Many seniors have what is called a Medicare Advantage Plan MA (most have Prescription Drug plans included MAPD) but never really take full advantage of all the benefits of the plan. Especially now during this COVID-19, shelter in place, isolation...

Although thinking about and reviewing our lives can be difficult, taking time to process whatever had been special to us over the years, may provide some solace to ourselves, our family and our friends. It is also a great way to utilize the extra...

Imagine if you will…the phone rings, you don’t recognize the number but pick up anyway and hear, “Hello, this is Dr. Kennedy from Central Hospital, is this Debbie Watsoneau?” (Your heart temporarily starts to race)..and you respond,..."Yes...

I thought it was odd that my Mom would be calling me on a Friday night after 10:00pm. Especially since I was out of town on a retreat, quite a bit north of Chicago near the Wisconsin border. I remember my clothing still smelled like the beach...

Whether you’ve been to the hospital for an emergency, or to your primary care doctor for a routine checkup, trying to decipher the codes and terms on the bill you receive can be confusing and overwhelming. Before paying any medical bill that was...

Well, it depends on a few factors. If you choose to see a medical provider in his/her office and that provider is not in your network, then you are considered a self-pay patient and you are responsible for the bill. It is the patient’s...

Many insurance plans cover the costs of services associated with one annual physical exam each year as part of your wellness benefits under the plan. Keeping on top of your annual wellness visits may help you avoid health issues before they even...

If you had a health condition that required a trip to the emergency room, the last thing you should be thinking about are the medical expenses you will incur. However, even if you have health insurance, you will likely end up with several...

As COVID-19 (coronavirus) alarmingly spreads throughout the nation, telemedicine is becoming an increasingly common way for doctors to communicate with patients. While the last thing you should be worrying about during the current crisis is paying...

If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important to speak with a doctor who will be able to advise you whether you should get tested. Given how contagious coronavirus is, telemedicine has become the new norm for healthcare visits. It...