Monday, November 4, 2013

5 Signs You May Need a Medical Billing Advocate

1. Do you have denied claims that you would like the insurance company to reconsider; yet you are unsure how to appeal the claims?
2. Are you or a family member chronically ill and overwhelmed with sorting through a multitude of bills and insurance paperwork?
3. Do you have elderly parents that need help with their Medicare Supplement and Part D coverage decisions, and you don't know how to advise them?
4. Have you recently incurred large medical expenses and you are uninsured and don't know where to turn or what to do?
5. Do you suspect that your medical bills contain overcharges and inaccuracies but you don't know what to do?If you answered yes to even one of these questions, consulting with a medical billing advocate is highly recommended. Medical Billing Advocacy of the Rockies provides a free initial consultation to review the facts of your individual situation and will determine whether you have a case, and/or determine what assistance or recommendations they can provide."After spending 10 years in the health insurance field working for a major health insurance company, I saw a critical need for this service. Learning and dissecting the healthcare jargon and codes is not something the general population can do, nor has the time to do", says Holly Knapp, President of Medical Billing Advocacy of the Rockies, LLC. Medical Billing Advocacy of the Rockies located in Loveland, Colorado.According to Ms. Knapp, some of the common questions from her clients are:"How can I tell if my medical bills are correct"How do I know if my insurance company has paid everything they should?""How do I know that I am paying what I truly owe? "The job of a medical billing advocate is to sort out the facts, review itemized doctor and hospital bills, insurance benefit statements, and medical records. "This comprehensive review helps you get fair treatment in a complex and confusing health care system and assures you of a true and accurate bill", according to Ms. Knapp. Ms. Knapp advocates on behalf of her clients to get them the benefits they deserve, as she resolve billing errors, eliminate overcharges, and negotiate bill reductions.Medical billing advocates are experienced in helping chronically ill individuals and/or families caring for a chronically ill child, or spouse. According to Ms. Knapp, "When families are dealing with significant health issues, the burden of fighting with insurance companies and health care providers to make sure bills are correct, and properly processed by the insurance company is one more stress they don't need to deal with at a very difficult time in their lives. A billing advocate can step in to manage the process, and allow you to focus on caring for your loved ones."In addition, for seniors who are confused by the complexity of Medicare supplement policies and Medicare Part D drug plans, medical billing advocates who specializes in this area can provide advice and enrollment assistance in a plan that will provide the greatest benefit at the lowest cost.A recent article published by CBS News, Slash Your Medical Bill; 7 Ways to Haggle offers tips for consumers in how to find medical pricing data for planned medical procedures and then use this information to effectively negotiate with care providers before receiving services. They also offer tips on the best methods to reduce bills for medical services you have already received. An empowered consumer, armed with accurate medical price data, can negotiate on their own behalf to get substantial medical cost savings from both physicians and hospitals.Holly Knapp is a member of a national organization of medical billing advocates - Medical Billing Advocates of America (MBAA). Advocates come from a variety of backgrounds: health insurance, nurses, lawyers, certified medical coders, and health care administrators. Members support each other in their common goal of a fair and true medical bill, by sharing knowledge and skills as they work together on difficult cases.