A Medical Advocate Obtains Documents from Many Sources

The work of a medical advocate starts with acquiring an itemized list of a client's medical expenses directly from healthcare providers. This document is not a summarized invoice that only outlines general categories, such as pharmacy, radiology, and surgical supplies. Instead, they obtain a comprehensive bill by following guidelines set forth by the American Hospital Association's Patient's Bill of Rights.

Medical advocates are aware of the importance of requesting the UB-04 CMS-1450 form. This document serves as the billing form for Medicare. It provides a comprehensive breakdown of charges submitted to insurance companies. Orders from medical providers and notes by staff nurses indicate all procedures, treatments, and drugs administrated. These documents are requested from the medical records department for the health care facility or hospital.

Invoices from external providers, such as an anesthesiologist or ambulance company, may prove valuable by offering additional information for a comprehensive evaluation. An in-depth analysis will include examining the insurer's Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms, assuming the client is covered by health insurance.

Medical advocates request that clients document their recollections of their medical procedures and hospital stay. This should include the duration of their hospitalization, prescription medications they were taking, what diagnostic tests they underwent, any treatments administered, and any other information relevant to what occurred for the advocate reviewing their medical records.

Clients will know of the treatments or procedures they did not consent to and their drug allergies. This information will be useful for a medical advocate to identify erroneous charges that may appear in medical billing and eliminate them accordingly.

Entrusting a personal injury lawyer with the task of managing records in a personal injury case may have a significant influence on its success and strength. The right attorney will have the resources, experience, and knowledge to investigate a case thoroughly, negotiate with insurers, and litigate the case if necessary. Here is why it is useful to work closely with a lawyer for accurate record-keeping:

• Preservation of Evidence: An attorney assumes the responsibility of evidence preservation and correct documentation. This encompasses police reports, medical records, crash site pictures, and other documentation that may become less available if not gathered and preserved immediately.
• Understanding Relevant Records: In a personal injury case, not all records hold the same level of importance. A lawyer can differentiate what records are relevant to the matter and prioritize evidence gathering. This serves to minimize the chances of overlooking crucial evidence.
• Following Legal Procedures: An attorney is knowledgeable in the legal protocols for record requests and presentations. They are well-versed in the rules of discovery, the process of document requestions, and how to ensure the relevancy and admissibility of evidence in court.
• Accurate Record Keeping: A lawyer is thorough in their effort to ensure that records are systemically organized and accurately documented. This meticulousness serves to prevent any inaccuracies or inconsistencies that the other side may use to dispute the case and its credibility.
• Expert Witness Testimony: To validate claims in some cases, testimony from an expert witness may be necessary. A lawyer with the resources can work with experts in the field to ensure that records are seamlessly incorporated into their testimony in support of a case.

The personal injury claims process may be challenging to navigate. Allowing your lawyer to handle accurate record-keeping allows you to focus on healing while they effectively handle your case. By entrusting an attorney with record management, you are leveraging their experience, knowledge, and resources for a favorable case resolution.

Our legal team at AutoAccident.com is well-versed in helping find insurance to pay medical expenses and negotiating a reduction in cases where inadequate coverage is indicated. Please call our law office today to discuss your potential case in detail and receive free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also use our online contact form to schedule a free case review.