HEALTH CARE SERVICES – FOR CANADIAN RESIDENTS

Winnick Patient Advocacy LLC's (WPA) objective is to ensure patients get the medical care they need in a timely, effective, and comprehensive manner. Services include, but are not limited to:

•  coordination of medical care through attention to detail, ensuring that all physicians and health care professionals involved in a case are aware of: the patient's medical history, what each other are doing, and what needs to be done;

•  review and appeals of O.H.I.P. denied claims (before the procedure or after the fact if services are received outside of Ontario or Canada);

•  assisting in finding the best health care professional for this patient's particular needs, in Canada or the U.S., at centres of excellence;

•  reviewing and interpreting health care insurance plans in order to ensure the plan is fulfilling its responsibilities, and arguing appeals of denied claims;

•  helping patients and their families review medical information with their health care professionals in order to make well informed decisions about their care (breaking down technical language "jargon" barriers and negotiating with health care professionals);

•  acting proactively ahead of time through researching what is involved in a particular medical procedure or test and preparing the client for it psychologically (giving the client an idea of what is going to happen ahead of time, in order to minimize fear);

•  ensuring all paperwork is properly completed and hospital/ facility support staff are aware of the particular needs and concerns of this patient to ensure that procedures and tests run as smoothly as possible.

 Examples of individuals that WPA LLC has served include:

•  a 55 year-old female Florida insurance clerk whose health insurance denied coverage for medically necessary bariatric surgery. WPA reviewed the insurance contract, spoke to legal and grievance appeal representatives of the Health Maintenance Organization, drafted written submissions and prepared the client for the appeal hearing. Thanks to the efforts of WPA, the appeal process is ongoing.

•  a 68 year-old male health care professional was diagnosed with melanoma (skin cancer). WPA facilitated communication between melanoma oncological (cancer) specialists at centres of excellence in Detroit, Baltimore, and Toronto, as well as oncological surgeons, oncological radiologists, endocrinologists, respirologists, and urologists in order to coordinate and expedite care for cancer, diabetes, and chronic bronchitis. This patient is enjoying more time with his family.

•  a 67 year-old Ontario male who fractured his hip while visiting the U.S. WPA successfully lobbied the patient's health insurance company to pay for immediate surgery in the U.S. as recommended by the ER physician. Arrangements were made for the safe transport via ambulance, airplane, through customs at the plane, and ambulance again back to Toronto once his health was stable after surgery.

Please note:

The services WPA provides will include coordination of care, case management and advocacy services. WPA will not and cannot provide medical advice, and should not be viewed as a replacement of the care provided by a licensed medical physician. Medical advice should be sought from appropriate licensed parties.