Frequently Asked Questions
THE STEPS
1. Schedule a consultation. A free, private call to talk through your situation. No cost, no obligation.
2. We'll talk it through. You tell me what's going on, I ask questions, and I give you my honest take on whether and how I can help.
3. You'll get a written proposal. If we both want to move forward, I'll send a clear scope, deliverables, price, and timeline. For larger engagements, the work can be structured in milestones, so you can evaluate progress before moving further.
4. We get to work. Once you've signed and made the initial payment, I get started — and I keep you informed at every step.
A few of the questions I hear most. If yours isn't here, just ask!
How is this different from...
…a patient advocate at the hospital? Hospital advocates can be helpful, but they work within the hospital system. I work for you, independently. I'm not employed by the hospital, insurer, or provider group — my only job is to look out for your interests.
…my insurance company's case manager? Insurance case managers can be genuinely helpful, but they work for the company paying the claims. That's not the same as having someone independent in your corner.
…an insurance broker? Brokers help you choose and buy a plan. I help you use the plan you already have — working through denials, prior authorizations, coverage questions, and bills. Different stage, different skill set.
…a lawyer? I know the insurance and appeals process well and can do a lot within it, but I'm not an attorney and don't practice law. If something needs legal action, I'll tell you and help you find the right person.
What I do and don't do
Do you give medical advice or replace my doctors?
No. I don't diagnose, treat, or tell you what medical care to choose, and I don't replace your doctors or other licensed professionals. I help you with the system around your care — insurance, bills, denials, authorizations, records, communication, and next steps — so you can ask better questions and make more confident decisions. Medical decisions stay between you and your clinicians.
Are there situations you won't take on?
Yes, and I'll tell you directly when that's the case. If something requires legal representation, emergency medical care, or clinical decision-making, that's outside my role — and I'd rather point you to the right person than overstep.
Practical questions
Can you help if I have Medicare or Medicaid?
In many situations, yes. Medicare and Medicaid have different rules than commercial insurance, and Medicaid can vary by state. I'll review your situation first and be clear about whether it's something I can help with effectively.
Can you help if I'm out of state?
Most of my work happens by phone, email, and secure document sharing, so geography usually isn't a barrier. Some things vary by state, so I'll be straight with you in our consultation about whether your situation is one I can take on effectively.
Can you help with a family member's care — like an aging parent?
Yes, this is common. With proper authorization, which I'll help set up, I can work on behalf of a family member who needs help managing the process.
How will we communicate?
By phone, email, text, or video — depending on what works best and what level of privacy the situation requires. For ongoing work, we'll set a regular check-in rhythm so you're never wondering where things stand.
What to expect
Can you guarantee my insurance appeal will succeed?
No — and I'd be cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed outcomes. What I can promise is that I'll build the strongest case I can, work the process carefully, and give you my honest read on the odds before we start. If I don't think I can meaningfully help, I'll tell you.
How quickly will I see results?
It depends on the situation and on systems that don't always move fast. Some things resolve in days; appeals can run weeks or months; ongoing coordination is continuous by nature. I'll give you a realistic timeline up front and keep you posted.
Are you going to fight my insurance company?
When pushing back is the right move, I do it — clearly, firmly, and with documentation. But confrontation isn't always the fastest or most effective path. A lot of problems resolve through organized follow-up, careful records, and knowing who to contact, what to ask for, and how to document it. I read the situation and use the approach most likely to actually work.
What to expect
Can you guarantee my insurance appeal will succeed?
No — and I'd be cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed outcomes. What I can promise is that I'll build the strongest case I can, work the process carefully, and give you my honest read on the odds before we start. If I don't think I can meaningfully help, I'll tell you.
How quickly will I see results?
It depends on the situation and on systems that don't always move fast. Some things resolve in days; appeals can run weeks or months; ongoing coordination is continuous by nature. I'll give you a realistic timeline up front and keep you posted.
Are you going to fight my insurance company?
When pushing back is the right move, I do it — clearly, firmly, and with documentation. But confrontation isn't always the fastest or most effective path. A lot of problems resolve through organized follow-up, careful records, and knowing who to contact, what to ask for, and how to document it. I read the situation and use the approach most likely to actually work.
Still have questions?
You can find more detail on my Services, Pricing, Privacy, and Who I Help pages. In our first conversation, I'll also tell you which pricing structure fits your situation before you commit to anything.
If you'd rather just talk it through, the first conversation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.