1. Be involved in all parts of your healthcare.
2. Ask questions whenever you are unsure of anything related to your healthcare.
3. Find out how much you will be expected to pay before appointments, tests, and treatments are started.
4. Request copies of your test results, doctor’s notes, and medical record when you check in for any appointment, test or treatment.
5. Always find out how much successful experience your health providers have at diagnosing and treating your specific condition.
6. Keep and organize copies of your medical records, test results, and interactions with all of your health providers.
7. Learn as much as you can about your illness and providers from trustworthy sources.
8. Contact your insurance provider as much as is needed to understand your coverage, your insurance provider’s guidelines, and your financial responsibilities.
9. Negotiate fees with doctors and treatment providers whenever possible.
10. Review your bills for mistakes, or have someone do it for you; its free.
11. Consult an experienced specialist after a serious diagnosis.
Get free help navigating your health insurance, appealing insurance denials, and accessing care through the Patient Advocate Foundation, or call 800-532-5274. Go to https://apatientsplace.wordpress.com/help-guidance/ for hundreds of links to free help with your healthcare.
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