Parade Magazine Reports How to “Fight for Your Health Care” If You Have an Insurance Claim Rejected…7 Steps Book Provides More Insight

Bethlehem, PA (Press Release) January 25, 2008 – In its most recent issue, Parade magazine addressed what to do when you have a health insurance claim rejected. The story reports that people who fight back when their healthcare provider says no, often win. The article gives some good basic information on understanding your rights under your health plan, filing an appeal and demanding an independent review. The article recommends that the healthcare consumer join with others and change the system.

In her new book, 7 Steps to Your Best Possible Healthcare, Dr. Ruthann Russo dedicates an entire chapter to “Paying for Healthcare: When You are Insured--and When You are Not.” The chapter is filled with specific website resources that consumers can use to find some immediate relief. First, Russo describes the differences between Medicare and Medicaid and public versus private health insurance coverage. Then, she describes nine different strategies you can take to ensure your health plan pays the bill and how to manage denials. Russo also shares stories of healthcare consumers who were successful in dealing with reimbursement challenges and their health plans. One couple successfully used their plan’s patient advocate. Another couple examined the hospital bill and easily identified an error in the way the husband’s diagnosis was coded. This story is entitled, “You Don’t Have to be an Expert to Catch A Coding Error.” Finally, the chapter ends with resources to use if you can’t get insurance or you need to find more support. This complete list of “Ten Resources to Tap” is also available on the website: www.7stepshealth.com.

The 7 Steps book is an essential guide for crafting your own personal health plan. It identifies and provides tools and suggestions for healthcare consumers to navigate their way through the U.S. healthcare system. Dr. Russo has written 5 books used by managers in the healthcare industry. Hospitals throughout the country use her training programs to assist their physicians and clinicians in providing quality care to patients. Find out more about the book at www.7StepsHealth.com.

In an effort to educate healthcare consumers and make the process fun, 7 Steps is partnering with “Happy Times in Healthcare” to sponsor a contest for anyone who signs up for the healthcare newsletters between now and May 1. The Grand Prize for the contest is a 6-day trip to Disney World for 4. Other prizes include a 1-year membership to Gold’s Gym, a Canon digital camera, 3 $25 gift certificates to Amazon.com, t-shirts, the 7 Steps book, and monthly Day Spa gift certificates. All contestants receive a complimentary chapter download from the 7 Steps book and a free subscription to “Here’s to Your Best Possible Health” e-newsletters. Sign up for the contest at www.happytimesinhealthcare.com.

Contact Information
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Fax: 610.882.3755
E-mail: contactus@djiber.com

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