What To Do If You Have an Emergency And Cannot Reach Me.

Are you at the doctor’s office and can’t find your ID card?

Being told something needs approval?

Getting admitted to skilled nursing?

Opening a piece of mail and thinking, “What is this?”

If that’s happening right now, I know it can feel stressful.

Healthcare doesn’t always go smoothly. Things pop up. Questions come out of nowhere. And when you need an answer quickly, waiting for a call back isn’t ideal.

Please know this — I’m here for you.

Helping you navigate situations like this is part of my job, and I take that seriously. I want your experience to be as smooth and straightforward as possible.

That said, there are times when I’m meeting with another client or on a never-ending call with customer service trying to fix another issue. During those moments, I may not be able to answer right away.

My policy is to return all calls the same business day before I leave the office. If you call after hours, I’ll get back to you the next business day.

In the meantime, if you need immediate assistance, here are a few steps you can take:

1) Many simple fixes and questions can be resolved by a quick phone call to member services. This phone number can be found on the back of your ID card. If you don't have an ID card you can search Google for "{Company Name} Medicare customer service number" and the correct number should come up

2) Don't pay your bill if you don't understand it or if you think something might be wrong. Instead, take a picture of every page (seriously, I mean every page, even if it is blank or you think it is not important, and even if it is 20 pages long) and either text it to me at 402-566-5855 or email it to me at wes@hispecialties.com. Medical bills typically have a lengthy grace period and you are generally not expected to pay the same day you receive the bill.

In addition, the first bill you receive from a medical provider is oftentimes incorrect and filled with errors. I recommend waiting until you receive your second bill prior to paying as the first medical bill often times includes mistakes.

3) If a medical service or pre-authorization is being denied, ask your provider for a copy of their denial letter. Also, call your insurance company to verify the denial and ask the reason for the denial. If you receive proof that the claim is denied, ask your provider to appeal the decision. Most claims are denied due to the provider making mistakes or errors in their approval request. 

4) Did you accidentally sign up for another plan? Call 1-800-Medicare to report the issue. Explain that you do not intend to switch plans and wish to remain in the plan that you are in. Ask them to cancel your application, and do not agree to do a new application with them on the phone.

5) Something else? Send me a detailed message (voicemail, text, or email) with a description of the issue. The more information you can give me the more I can investigate before returning your call.