FAQ's regarding fees for Independent Medical Advocates
what are your fees?
Most services are billed at $150/hour. There are some services that cost more or less. Please scroll down for detailed information.
We are a private business working directly for YOU
Our funding doesn't come from insurance or the government. Since we are paid by you, 100% of our duty is to YOU, our customer, with no conflicts of interest.
Does insurance cover this?
There are no insurance companies that cover independent advocacy. And as nice as that sounds, you probably wouldn't want them to. Why? Because whoever is paying for a service gets to call the shots and set the priorities. I work directly for YOU and there are absolutely no goals other than getting you the best, most efficient, least stressful care possible. There are some clinics, hospitals, and insurance companies that have employees with the title Advocate. I am certain that at times they are very helpful, but they do answer to their employer and not the customer.
Why do SOME Advocates NOT LIST THEIR FEES?
It's actually the industry standard to wait until a prospective client and Advocate have talked -- at least by phone -- before discussing fees. But that didn't align with my personality. I'm a very direct person: what you see is what you get. Most people looking for an Advocate are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I don't want to do anything to add to that.
Why do I need to pay in advance?
I am, at heart, a caregiver and not a business person. I want to spend my time helping people, I don't want to spend it following up with people to pay their bills.
how much is the retainer?
That is up to you and how much you anticipate working together. You can pay a little and replenish when your balance falls below $150, or you could place a higher retainer and not have to monitor your balance closely.
with hourly rates, how are partial hours billed?
Bills are rounded up or down to the closest 10 minute mark.
1-5 minutes = 0 minutes.
6-15 minutes = 10 minutes.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Venmo, PayPal, or check.
