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Frequently Asked Questions
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How does membership work?Membership is designed for those you want to have ongoing support. Membership allows you to pay a monthly payment in exchange for a set level of support. This can include maintenance of medical information, ongoing collaboration with your provider, health education, maintenance of health-related legal needs, and more. Many people value the ability to have a “personal nurse and advocate” available to support them whenever needed. Membership levels and payment plans can be personalized to meet your needs. Members are also provided with access to free, ongoing educational information related to all of our practice areas, as well as educational information on health topics. Information is provided one-on-one, via email, or on our private YouTube channel or social media links.
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My doctor barely spends any time with me when I go to the office and appointments are hard to get. How can you help me?Yes, we can!! Most physician offices schedule appointments down to the minute. Often you will only have less than 7 minutes, on average, of face time with your primary care provider. We help fill in the gaps and maximize the benefit of this brief face-to-face time. We will even work directly with your provider if desired to educate you on your healthcare and follow up on any needs based on direction from your provider.
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What is a Forensic Nurse, and why would I need one?A forensic nurse is a specialized healthcare professional who combines nursing skills with legal knowledge to provide care for patients who are victims of violence, abuse, or trauma. They play a crucial role in collecting evidence, documenting injuries, and offering support to individuals involved in legal cases, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. You might need a forensic nurse if you or someone you know has experienced a crime or traumatic event, as they can ensure that the patient receives appropriate medical care while also preserving evidence that may be vital for legal proceedings. Their expertise can help bridge the gap between healthcare and the legal system, providing essential support for both healing and justice. Forensic nurses work for attorneys, law enforcement agencies, corporations, victim advocacy organizations, individuals, hospitals or clinics, health departments, medical examiners offices, and more. Forensic nurses are found in many settings and the use of Forensic Nurses is expanding as their value is recognized by many organizations and industries.
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Why would I need a legal nurse consultant? What do they do?Legal nurse consultants are registered nurses who provide expert analysis and insights in legal cases involving medical issues. They leverage their clinical expertise to assist attorneys, insurance companies, and healthcare organizations by reviewing medical records, identifying standards of care, and offering opinions on medical malpractice, personal injury, and workers’ compensation cases. Their unique combination of nursing knowledge and legal acumen makes them invaluable in the legal process, helping to clarify complex medical information for attorneys and juries. Private patients can also benefit from legal nurse consultants, especially in cases where they may be pursuing legal action related to their medical care. For instance, if a patient believes they have received substandard care or have been harmed by a medical procedure, a legal nurse consultant can help them understand their rights and the intricacies of their case. They can guide patients through the medical aspects of their claims, ensuring that their health experiences are accurately represented in any legal proceedings. In this way, legal nurse consultants serve as a critical bridge between healthcare and the legal system, empowering patients to advocate for their rights effectively. Legal nurse consulting is often an aspect of Forensic Nursing Care and Patient Advocacy. All these disciplines are interrelated.
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I have questions about the intake forms… how do I contact you?Please feel free to reach out via our website, email, phone or even text! Our contact details are listed on our website.
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A nurse can help me with my health insurance. How?A nurse can play a vital role in helping you navigate the complexities of health insurance by acting as a knowledgeable resource and advocate. They can explain your insurance benefits, clarify coverage details for specific treatments or medications, and help you understand any potential out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, nurses often have experience dealing with insurance companies and can guide you through the process of obtaining prior authorizations or appealing denied claims. By bridging the gap between medical care and insurance logistics, a nurse can empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare, ensuring you receive the necessary services without unnecessary financial stress. A nurse with a background in case management and utilization review can help with decision making related to changes in levels of care, discharge needs after hospitalization, insurance claims, insurance appeals, insurance denials, retroactive insurance reviews and more. We have direct knowledge and experience in working on these cases and have access to resources to help get things done to benefit you.
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Remote services? Really?Absolutely! Modern technology allows us to reach out via fax, email, virtual meetings, online connections and more. We can offer some services locally that we cannot offer remotely yet, such as post operative monitoring, but we are hoping to add these services soon utilizing new modern technologies. Most of our services are easily conducted remotely and securely, making sure your information is safe and protected.
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Do you educate or provide educational materials? Can you speak to my social group?Yes! We love to share knowledge and empower others. We are available to provide education and can make arrangements to speak at conferences, meetings, and more depending upon time constraints and scheduling. Reach out today and let us address your needs. All efforts will be made to meet your requests. In some cases, travel expense fees may be included.
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Who are your clients?Our clients are individuals, attorneys, businesses, organizations, insurance companies, health care entities…. We can help anyone with a health-related question. If we cannot help you directly, we will refer you to someone who can.
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My parents or family members live in a different state or area than I do. I need help caring for them. How can you help me?YES!- This is a common question. Many retired or older adults are “snow birding” in southern states, or the modern mobility of our lifestyles has led to family members being in different states or even overseas. We are personally familiar with these circumstances. We can help !
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I don’t understand my health insurance…. Help!Most people have little understanding of insurance plan and how they work. This information is also constantly changing. We work with insurance companies daily and can help you understand your coverage and make insurance decisions.
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What do services cost?Cost vary, depending on upon your needs. Each case is as individual as the person involved. Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation. We believe the information and support we offer is vital to everyone. We can often work out payment plans or agreements that allow us to help you while keeping your financial status stable and intact. Healthy stable financial resources are also important to your health, ensuring that that you can meet your needs and reduce financial strain. We will do all we can to assist in financial matters.
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I am a caregiver for someone else who is sick. Can you help me?Absolutely! Caregivers are our primary client group. Taking care of others is often overwhelming. There are many ways we can help. Contact us today!
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What is a Private Patient Advocate, and why do I need one?A private patient advocate is a person with knowledge of the healthcare system, how it works, and how to navigate the often-confusing process of finding physicians, handling referrals, obtaining needs, and dealing with insurance companies. An advocate works to educate patients and caregivers so that they can make informed decisions. Advocates may also work with you, or in some cases with your permission, act on your behalf, to meet your medical, financial, social, emotional and other needs related to healthcare matters. Many advocates are sought out by caregivers who suddenly find themselves in urgent situations. For example, an adult child whose parent has had an unexpected medical emergency. The caregiver finds themselves suddenly juggling home, work, and family, along with the new responsibilities of making in the moment medical decisions without notice and often with little understanding of the overall picture. Advocates are often sought out by patients who are dealing with complicated medical conditions, multiple medical conditions, or life-threatening situations where advocacy regarding medical treatment plan and financial decisions are needed. In a perfect world, advocates would not be needed. But the current healthcare system is overwhelmingly broken, and issues such as staffing shortages, time constraints, and agency oversight often lead to patients falling through cracks. An Advocate can help make sure your needs are met and empower you with the information and organization needed to represent yourself and your loved ones.
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I am not sure what I need… I am sick, tired, confused and overwhelmed.This is often where clients start. Many people just don’t know what they don’t know. Feeling overwhelmed is common and you are not alone. We have been there also! This is the reason we started Crucial Consults, is to help people who are overwhelmed. Even as professionals, we are still patients, caregivers, spouses, mothers, etc. ourselves. When you feel like this, it is time to reach out for support. Get in touch and we will help you.
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Do you take insurance?Currently, most insurances do not cover the cost of our services. However, we will work with your physicians, insurance companies, and you to provide information needed to file claims if your policy may offer coverage. Many of our services are fee-based costs. There may be tax benefits available to you, and we recommend that you check specifics with your insurance provider and tax professionals. We can provide itemized and detailed billing information.
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Why do I need to know about emergency management?Emergency management and preparation are critical components of community safety that everyone should understand, as they can significantly impact individual and collective well-being during crises. Natural disasters, health emergencies, and unforeseen incidents can strike at any time, and being informed about how to respond effectively can save lives and reduce injuries. By learning about emergency preparedness, individuals can create plans for themselves and their families, stock essential supplies, and understand local emergency resources. This knowledge not only empowers individuals but also fosters resilience within communities. Moreover, understanding emergency management promotes a culture of safety and preparedness. When people are equipped with the necessary skills and awareness, they can contribute to a more coordinated response during emergencies, whether through volunteering, assisting neighbors, or sharing information. In a world where uncertainties are increasingly common, cultivating a mindset of preparedness can mitigate the impact of crises and help communities recover more swiftly, ensuring that everyone is better equipped to face whatever challenges may arise.
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