The Call
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...
When Advocacy Gets Personal: That Time I Was Daughter
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...
How to Understand Your Medical Bill
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...
If You See an Out-of-Network Provider, Are You Stuck With the Bill?
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...
What To Ask Before Your Annual Physical
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...
How To Dispute Your ER Bill
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...
Unexpected Telemedicine Bills...What To Do
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...
COVID-19 Medical Billing: Don't Assume Anything
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...
Be Prepared: Let's Talk About Advanced Directives
The discussion of whether you should create your advanced directives has been a topic that may not be at the forefront of your mind. However, with the current public health pandemic of COVID-19, it is something everyone should consider keeping in...
Health Inequities and Social Isolation: Dangerous Comorbidities
Imagine you notice symptoms of the COVID-19 virus and are afraid you won’t get adequate care because you are a minority? The pandemic has highlighted the disparity in access to healthcare in minority communities and emphasized that this population...
Take Advantage of Your MA or MAPD Benefits
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...
Now’s the Time to Get Your Healthcare Affairs in Order
For many of us, the uncertainty and social isolation caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has brought to the forefront what’s most important in life: human connection and our loved ones. In light of this reminder, now is the perfect time to make sure...
Healthy Sleep Tips During The Covid-19 Pandemic
A good night’s sleep is a very important component in maintaining health. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, causing you to wake up throughout the night and not be able to get back to sleep. With our current...
What Behavioral Health Can Do Now to Respond to COVID-19
Guest Blog: Amanda Latimore, Ph.D., social epidemiologist and faculty at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Behavioral health systems should prepare now for what may be our new normal. Communities are rapidly ramping up social...
Boosting Immunity in the Age of COVID-19
Guest Blog: Courtesy of Society of Certified Senior Advisors There are several things you can do to help your body fight off exposure to any virus or bacteria, including the coronavirus. We all know to wash hands for at least 20 seconds and...