Frequently asked questions

A patient advocate works on your side of the table. For BMFHA that means reviewing medical bills for accuracy, disputing errors, appealing insurance denials, chasing down records and documents, negotiating balances, and pursuing money you are owed. You stay in control of the decisions; we do the work of carrying them out, whether that is advice, a strategy session, or ongoing support.

The first 20-minute consultation is free. If the situation needs more than quick advice, we offer a reasonably priced strategy session that includes reviewing your paperwork, investigating the issue, and delivering a written action plan. After that, ongoing support is based on the level you choose — DIY, Do-It-With-You, or Do-It-For-You — and you will know the cost before any work begins.

Yes. Twenty minutes, no charge, no obligation to continue. If the honest answer is that you do not need us, or that quick advice is enough, we will say so. If a strategy session would help, we will explain why and what it would cover.

Usually not. A balance in collections can still be inaccurate, and an inaccurate balance can still be disputed. Timing does matter, though, so the sooner you call the more options tend to be available.

Often, yes. Denials are frequently the result of coding problems, missing documentation or a plan requirement that was not met — all of which can be addressed on appeal. Appeals run on strict deadlines, so it is worth getting the denial letter in front of someone quickly.

Yes. With your written authorization, we contact providers, billing departments and insurers on your behalf and document every interaction. In most cases that means you stop fielding those calls yourself.

No. BMFHA is independent. We are paid by you and we work for you, which means our recommendations are not shaped by any provider or insurer.

It depends on what is involved. A billing correction can resolve in weeks; a multi-level insurance appeal or a financial assistance application can take longer, because much of the timeline belongs to the other party. You will get progress updates throughout rather than silence.

Whatever you have: itemized bills, explanations of benefits, denial letters, plan documents. If all you have is a confusing statement and a question, that is enough to start. If we move into a strategy session, we will tell you exactly what paperwork to send.

Yes. Your medical and financial information is handled confidentially and shared only with the providers and insurers you authorize us to contact.