So much has changed since Coronavirus has entered our lives. I want to highlight these changes and pause with the question, how will our lives be different once we are allowed to go back to normal? Normal, I dare say will never be normal, not bad, but definitely different. What are the circumstances that will make […]
The New Normal – Life After Coronavirus – (COVID-19) Read More »
While maintaining social distancing, there are, alternative options for care and access to your provider. Medicare is lifting the requirements on telehealth options and many practices are using this method as an alternative way to care for patients. While telehealth has been around, it has a slow adoption rate. With COVID-19 and social distancing this
Telehealth Options for Consumers During COVID-19 Q&A Read More »
The Coronavirus has obviously changed all of us and continues to have us navigating daily life in different directions. In addition, there is so much information out there including how to sanitize, cure cabin fever, and age groups most impacted by Coronavirus. One of the key questions is how to get tested and what are
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Out of Pocket Expenses for Coronavirus Testing and Consumer FAQs Read More »
It is an election year with lots of ideas being tossed around for how to reform our health care system. One of the ideas is to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA a.k.a. Obamacare) and start new. I preface this post with I am here to present the facts with a non-partisan approach. My end goal is to provide the
Affordable Care Act Repealed – What it Could Mean to You Read More »
Understanding your out-of-pocket costs is key when making health care decisions. High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) continue to rise in terms of the top health care plans purchased. Reference: Kaiser Family Foundation: 2019 HDHO Benefits Survey For HDHP plans 2020 minimum deductibles are $1400 for individual and $2800 for families. Maximum deductibles $6900 for individuals and $13,800 for
Price Transparency and Payment Options Read More »
Po-tay-toe or Po-tah-toe, is there a difference? How about if you are talking about telemedicine or Telehealth? Let’s start by clearing up any ambiguity on the terms. Telemedicine – used to refer to traditional clinical diagnosis and monitoring through technology. Telehealth – is more commonly used today. It describes a broader range of diagnosis options,
Telehealth versus Telemedicine – How it works Read More »
Do you ever wonder about the forms you sign when you visit your doctor in the new year or while visiting a new practice? I want to provide a quick reference overview of the forms you sign and what they mean. What is the patient registration form? Purpose – gathers information to identify you as
Health Care Patient Forms Read More »
What happened? Mary was going in for bariatric surgery. She confirmed all details with her health insurance provider, including the authorization for services. On the day of surgery, Mary checked in at the in-network hospital. Approximately fifteen minutes before being taken to the Operating Room (OR), she met her anesthesiologist, who explained the process for
Surgery – Why Did I Get a Bill for Authorized Services? Read More »
There are many changes in health care, and physicians are making choices regarding their practice. Some key issues physicians face are managing a practice day to day operations in the ever-changing health care environment. They are also managing contracts and payments with insurance companies. Many physician groups are choosing alternative options like concierge medicine and
What is Concierge Medicine Read More »
Welcome Savvy Health Care Consumer, I’m excited to start this blog. My goal is to provide information to YOU the consumer to inform, unravel the complexity of health care, and promote smart decision making. This blog is targeted for the baby boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z’s. Are you a consumer of health care
Welcome Savvy Health Care Consumer Read More »