Christie Cox Christie Cox

Healthcare secrets they don’t tell you (but you deserve to know)

If you’ve ever felt like navigating healthcare is a full-time job, you’re right—and what most people don’t know about how the system works can sometimes be the difference between safety and harm.

At Norbella Health Advocates, our mission is to help patients and families make informed, empowered decisions. So we’ve compiled five revealing healthcare “secrets” backed by real data that every patient deserves to know.

Secret #1: Misdiagnosis is more common than you think

When you hear “medical error,” you might picture a wrong surgery or a medication mix-up—but the biggest danger may happen long before treatment begins.

Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly 1 in 9 patients (11.1%) is misdiagnosed, and the rate varies widely depending on the condition. For instance, 1.5% of heart attacks are misdiagnosed, but the rate skyrockets to 62% for spinal abscesses and 17% for strokes (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2023).

Diagnostic errors are among the most dangerous because they delay or derail treatment entirely—sometimes until it’s too late.

If your symptoms persist, or your treatment isn’t working as expected, don’t hesitate to ask:

  • “What else could this be?”

  • “Can you help me understand what other conditions you’ve ruled out?”

A patient advocate can help you document your symptoms, track test results, and push for a second opinion when needed.

Secret #2: Medical errors aren’t officially tracked

Here’s a shocking truth: Medical errors are not listed as a cause of death on any U.S. death certificate—even though they’re estimated to kill between 250,000 and 400,000 Americans every year (Makary & Daniel, BMJ, 2016).

That makes medical error the third-leading cause of death in the United States—right behind heart disease and cancer. Yet, because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t include “medical error” on its official mortality lists, the true scale of the problem remains largely invisible (AHRQ PSNet, 2023).

As the Association of Health Care Journalists notes, this lack of standardized reporting allows the problem to “hide in plain sight” (Health Journalism, 2023). That’s why keeping your own documentation matters so much—because the system isn’t built to track every miss or near-miss.

Secret #3: 1 in 10 patients are harmed during hospital care

You’d expect hospitals to be the safest place to get care—but the data says otherwise.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in every 10 patients worldwide experiences harm while receiving hospital care, and roughly half of these events are preventable (World Health Organization, 2023).

The most common culprits?

  • Medication mix-ups

  • Healthcare-associated infections

  • Falls, pressure ulcers, and post-surgical complications

Even in high-income countries like the U.S., patient harm remains a major issue, often linked to fragmented systems and communication breakdowns.

At Norbella Health Advocates, we encourage every patient to have an advocate by their side during hospital stays—someone who knows your medications, allergies, and wishes, and who can ask the right questions when you’re unable to.

Secret #4: Technology doesn’t always mean safety

You’d think that modern hospitals—with robots, apps, and AI—would be safer than ever. But technology can’t replace human vigilance.

More than 1 in 3 surgical patients experienced complications, of which 60% are due to preventable errors—even in top medical centers (2024 study published in BMJ).

Electronic health records, while designed to improve safety, can also introduce risk when systems don’t communicate well or when clinicians are overloaded with data entry. In fact, many nurses now spend more time charting than caring for patients—leaving less time to catch errors or advocate for you directly.

Technology is a tool. Advocacy is a safeguard. Having a patient advocate who reviews your records, medications, and transitions of care can prevent mistakes that machines can’t.

Secret #5: Organized patients have better outcomes

The last secret might be the simplest—and the most powerful: patients who organize their medical information are safer.

Most medical errors stem from missing or miscommunicated information. When you can provide your own medication list, allergy history, and prior test results, you reduce your risk immediately.

That’s why we recommend that many of our patients set up a digital medical binder using Primary Record. It lets you:

  • Store key documents (advance directives, medication lists, labs, imaging)

  • Share access with trusted family, caregivers, or your Norbella advocate

  • Create health summary sheets for new providers

  • Sync data from multiple patient portals into one secure place

Owning your health information doesn’t just make life easier—it can save it.

The bottom line: Knowledge is protection

The healthcare system is complex, and even the best providers can make mistakes. But when you’re organized, informed, and supported by a skilled advocate, you dramatically lower your risk.

Norbella Health Advocates helps patients and families bridge that gap—ensuring your voice is heard, your care is coordinated, and your safety is prioritized.

💙 Ready to protect yourself and your loved ones?
Start today by setting up your digital medical binder through Primary Record with our special Norbella link, and take control of your healthcare story.

References

  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Report Highlights Public Health Impact of Serious Harms from Diagnostic Error in U.S.” July 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/07/report-highlights-public-health-impact-of-serious-harms-from-diagnostic-error-in-us

  2. Makary, M.A. & Daniel, M. “Medical Error—the Third Leading Cause of Death in the US.” BMJ, 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28186008/

  3. AHRQ PSNet. “Measuring and Responding to Deaths from Medical Errors.” https://psnet.ahrq.gov/perspective/measuring-and-responding-deaths-medical-errors

  4. Health Journalism. “Medical Errors Are the Third Leading Cause of Death—and Other Statistics You Should Question.” https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2023/07/medical-errors-are-the-third-leading-cause-of-death-and-other-statistics-you-should-question/

  5. World Health Organization. “Patient Safety Fact Sheet.” 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/patient-safety

  6. BMJ Group. “Adverse Events Affect over 1 in 3 Surgery Patients, US Study Finds.” 14 Nov. 2024. https://www.bmjgroup.com/adverse-events-affect-over-1-in-3-surgery-patients-us-study-finds/ 


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Christie Cox Christie Cox

Medical errors: The hidden epidemic you can protect yourself from

Here’s a truth most people never hear in the exam room: hospitals save lives—but they can also put lives at risk.

Medical errors—like infections, drug mix-ups, or missed diagnoses—consistently rank among the top three causes of death in America.

The good news? With the right preparation and advocacy, you can dramatically reduce your risk.

Inside the healthcare system: What patients don’t see

When you walk into a doctor’s office or hospital, you expect safety and expertise. But behind the scenes, those of us who’ve worked inside the system know the reality: errors happen every day.

Most are unintentional—an overlooked lab value, a communication breakdown, or a documentation mix-up—but even small mistakes can lead to serious harm.

Despite decades of research and new technologies, the problem hasn’t improved. In fact, staffing shortages, documentation overload, and burnout have made it worse.

What exactly counts as a “medical error”?

Definitions vary, but errors generally fall into three categories:

  • Errors of execution: When a correct plan isn’t carried out as intended.

  • Errors of planning: When the wrong plan is used to achieve the goal.

  • Process deviations: When the usual safety steps are skipped or incomplete.

Common examples include medication errors, hospital-acquired infections, surgical complications, pressure ulcers, and even wrong-site surgeries.

Outside hospital walls, misdiagnoses and delayed diagnoses—especially for strokes, heart attacks, sepsis, and certain cancers—are leading causes of preventable harm.

Why these errors happen

It’s tempting to blame individuals, but most medical errors are systemic. Communication failures, short staffing, excessive electronic documentation, and fragmented care systems all create the perfect environment for mistakes.

Nurses, for example, often spend more time entering data than providing bedside care. Combine that with post-COVID burnout and an aging healthcare workforce, and the margin for safety gets thinner every year.

The numbers behind the crisis

  • Up to 98,000 deaths per year were linked to medical errors in the landmark To Err Is Human report (1999).

  • By 2004, estimates rose to 195,000 deaths annually among Medicare patients.

  • The Office of Inspector General later reported 180,000 deaths in Medicare in-patients each year.

  • More recent data suggests the true number may be as high as 376,000 preventable deaths annually.

Despite this, medical error is not listed on the CDC’s top causes of death, leaving the crisis largely invisible.

What you can do to protect yourself

Hospitals have introduced checklists and safety protocols, but they can only go so far. The truth is, patients and families play a vital role in their own safety.

Here are simple, proven ways to lower your risk:

Keep a complete, portable medical binder — Include your medical power of attorney, living will, medication list, allergies, recent lab results, imaging reports, and emergency contacts.
Bring a second set of eyes and ears — A family member, friend, or independent advocate can catch inconsistencies and help clarify information.
Ask questions—always — If something feels off, speak up.
Verify medications and doses — Many errors are caused by simple mix-ups.
Keep your own medical records — Don’t rely solely on portals or hospital systems.

Why partner with an independent patient advocate

This is where Norbella Health Advocates can make all the difference.
As Independent Patient Health Advocates, we combine clinical experience with unwavering loyalty to you—not the hospital, not your insurance company.

We can:

  • Review your medical records and catch discrepancies before they cause harm.

  • Communicate with your healthcare team to coordinate safe, accurate care.

  • Translate test results and treatment plans into clear, understandable terms.

  • Stand beside you (in person or virtually) to ensure your care aligns with your wishes.

Having a professional advocate by your side isn’t a luxury—it’s a safeguard.

Take control of your health story with Primary Record

One of the most powerful tools for preventing medical errors is owning and organizing your health information. That’s why Norbella Health Advocates partners with Primary Record—a secure digital platform that lets you manage every aspect of your medical story in one place.

With Primary Record, you can:

  • Store critical documents such as your medical power of attorney, living will, medication lists, allergies, labs, imaging, and emergency contacts.

  • Add collaborators—share access securely with family members, caregivers, or your patient advocate

  • Create custom health summary sheets that help new providers understand your history at a glance.

  • Connect multiple patient portals into one centralized record, so nothing gets lost in fragmented systems.

This single step can prevent delays, reduce confusion, and even save lives by ensuring every member of your care team has accurate, up-to-date information.

Your next step toward safer, more coordinated care

You don’t have to face the healthcare system alone—or unprepared. Let’s make sure your information is accurate, organized, and accessible when it matters most.

Set up your personal digital medical binder today at Primary Record.

Use our special Norbella sign-up link at registration to unlock exclusive savings and personalized setup support.

Together, we can make healthcare safer—one informed, empowered patient at a time.

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Christie Cox Christie Cox

How to find credible medical information online

A Norbella Health Advocate’s guide to researching without losing your mind

When it comes to health, curiosity is natural — but the internet can be a dangerous place for it. Between Google searches, Reddit rabbit holes, and “wellness hacks” on TikTok, finding credible information feels harder than ever. At Norbella Health Advocates, we empower clients to understand their options, not drown in misinformation. So, let’s talk about how to tell what’s trustworthy and what’s just trending.

The “Dr. Google” dilemma

The instinct to search symptoms online isn’t wrong — it’s human. But as the blog Calling Dr. Google Is Not a Good Idea points out, information overload can quickly lead to panic, misinterpretation, and sometimes even harm.

Without medical training, it’s easy to misread research, overlook context, or confuse opinion for evidence. Worse, Google’s algorithm is built for popularity — not accuracy. That means the most clicked results aren’t necessarily the most credible.

The rise of social media “health experts”

According to an NPR report, a growing number of people now use TikTok and similar platforms as their first stop for health advice. Unfortunately, researchers from the University of Chicago found that nearly 60% of TikTok videos about sinus infections created by non-medical users contained inaccurate or misleading information — compared with only 15% when made by medical professionals.

Why the gap?

  • Algorithms reward engagement, not accuracy.

  • Short videos oversimplify complex science.

  • “Influencers” may mean well but aren’t required to verify claims and are often paid to promote their position or products.

  • Viewers often trust relatable personalities more than dry, boring medical research.

It’s an environment built for viral content, not verified facts. This does not even venture into the recent entry of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and searching for answers without citation. 

How to vet health information like an advocate

Here’s the Norbella approach — the same one we teach clients when helping them build their personal medical binder or prepare for appointments:

1. Always verify the source, and follow the money

Ask: Who wrote this? Who benefits? Reliable organizations, like the NIH, CDC, Mayo Clinic, and American Medical Association, provide unbiased, evidence-based resources. If a site sells what it recommends, tread carefully. Science doesn’t sell.

2. Look for citations and credentials

Good articles list authors, publication dates, and reference peer-reviewed published research. No credentials? No thanks. Misinformation thrives in anonymity and attitude.

3. Verify trust marks

Websites that display the HONcode (Health On the Net) or similar certifications have committed to transparency and ethical standards. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a good start.

4. Be social media savvy

A creator’s charisma doesn’t equal credibility. Ask yourself:

  • Are they a licensed, trained professional?

  • Do they cite studies or just opinions?

  • Are they selling something?

  • Treat health “hacks” the way you’d treat a stranger offering you pills — question first.

5. Check the date

Science evolves, grows and adapts to new information. Look for “last updated” lines or publication years. If it’s older than five years (and not a foundational resource), find something newer if it’s available.

6. Cross-check with your clinician

Bring what you’ve learned printed out to your provider. The best information is that which starts a conversation, not ends it.

Why this matters to Norbella clients

As patient advocates, we see the fallout from misinformation every day — people trying unproven treatments, following dangerous online advice, or misunderstanding test results they found through a random Reddit post. Our goal is to bridge the gap between curiosity and credibility.

We help clients:

  • Collect, organize, and verify their medical records for accuracy.

  • Use tools like Primary Record to safely store and share their documents between providers and medical EMRs, like MyChart.

  • Prepare questions to bring real evidence -  not internet rumors or Facebook support group suggestions - to their providers.

Because the right information saves more than time; it can change your care entirely.

A final reminder

The Internet isn’t the enemy — it’s the tool. But like any powerful tool, it can build or break. If you’re going to search for your symptoms, do it smartly. Vet your sources. Question your findings. And when in doubt, bring it to a trusted professional with medical training and licensure who can interpret it in the context of your health story.

At Norbella, we believe informed patients make empowered choices. Let’s replace panic-scrolling with purposeful learning — one credible source at a time.

Ready to organize your verified medical information?
Set up your secure digital medical binder at Primary Record with a special Norbella discount, and start simplifying your care today. Book a consultation today to have our team help you navigate the complexities. 

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Christie Cox Christie Cox

Self-Care Sundays: The Gentle Art of a Reset When Your Body Has Other Plans

There’s something about Sundays that invite a deep breath. Maybe it’s the quiet before Monday’s chaos, or maybe it’s just the one day that doesn’t carry so many expectations. For those of us living with health challenges, chronic conditions, or long-term recovery, Sundays can also feel like a crossroads: Do we try to catch up? Do we dare to rest? Or do we just wing it and hope for the best?

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to choose. A Sunday reset can be about ease, not pressure. It’s not about color-coded planners, spotless kitchens, or flawless meal prep. It’s about noticing what you need most and creating small rituals that give you a little more room to breathe.

Start With Permission

First, drop the guilt. If your body says “sleep,” let it. If your mind says “pause,” listen. Your worth isn’t measured by how much you squeeze into the day. Some Sundays might be all about staying horizontal, others might invite a little action. Either way, the best reset starts with kindness.

Try waking up slowly. Maybe stay in bed a few extra minutes, stretching toes and fingers, feeling the weight of your blanket. Pour something warm—coffee, tea, broth—and really taste it. No screens, no noise. Just you, waking up gently. Even five minutes of quiet can set the tone for the whole day.

Make Your Space Lighter

Our surroundings often mirror our minds. When your week is full of doctor’s appointments, medications, and unpredictable symptoms, your space can become a silent stressor. The good news? You don’t have to tackle everything. Pick one small thing. Clear off the nightstand, fold a cozy throw blanket, or make the kitchen counter usable again.

Open a window, light a candle, or turn on music that makes you feel calm (or happy, or alive—it’s your call). The goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating one little pocket of calm. When you walk past that cleared space later, it’s like a quiet nod from your future self: “See? You did something for you.”

Nourish Without Overwhelm

Food can feel complicated when your energy is unpredictable or pain is part of your day. Instead of forcing a big plan, think of it as leaving breadcrumbs for your future self. Wash a few apples, cut some carrots, make a simple pot of rice, or roast whatever vegetables are handy. Throw a hunk of protein of choice into a crock pot and wait for dinner to be done. These aren’t pics for Instagram; they’re small acts of support.

Meal prep doesn’t have to mean containers lined up like soldiers. It’s more like this: when Wednesday rolls around and fatigue hits hard, you open the fridge and something is waiting. It doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to be there. That’s self-care.

Move Kindly

For many with chronic conditions, exercise is a loaded word. Movement, however, can be a friend. Movement can be a few ankle circles while you sit, a slow stretch on the floor, or walking to the mailbox and back. It can be swaying to music in your chair or doing a gentle yoga pose that feels good.

The point is not calories, weight, or achievement—it’s reminding your body that it’s yours to inhabit. On some Sundays you’ll do more, on others less, but every little motion says: “I’m still here.”

The Wind-Down Matters Too

Evenings are where Sundays really shine. As the day slows, you can create your own soft landing. Maybe you text a friend or sit with a loved one. Maybe you snuggle your fur baby or take a warm bath or shower. Choose something that signals to your mind and body: it’s safe to relax. It’s safe for your muscles to unclinch a tiny bit more.

Put away your phone a little earlier than usual. Read something light or comforting by a candle or low lit nightstand before bed. Play music that quiets the chatter in your head. It’s not about getting it “right”—it’s about telling your nervous system that tomorrow can wait.

Why Bother?

Because life with health challenges rarely gives you a pause button. Because the week ahead will still be full of curveballs, and small resets are how we meet them. Because self-care is not selfish; it’s survival.

A Sunday reset can be whatever you need: a nap, a tidy room, a pot of soup, a gentle stretch. It’s not about fixing your life—it’s about showing up for yourself in small, meaningful ways. And when you live with a chronic condition, those small things matter more than anyone else might realize.

Want to Start Your Reset With Instant Calm?

Before you dive into any of these Sunday rituals, give your nervous system a two-minute reset. Our 4-7-8 Breathing Worksheet is designed to help you start your self-care session with intention. The PDF download will teach you how to safely practice this breathing technique that’s backed by science to lower stress, loosen tense shoulders, and sharpen focus.

No appointments, no special tools—just you, your breath, and two minutes to change the tone of your day.

Grab your copy now and start your Sunday reset the right way: calmer, clearer, and ready to care for the most important person on your list—yourself.

If you want more calming tips and techniques, Christie Cox and Maggie Buckley shared their lived experience and why calm must come first in the healing process of chronic care in their ebook Fragile: Handle With Calm available for only $1.99. 


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Caroline Kim Caroline Kim

When the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ hits, who’s left at your bedside?

When you’re in the hospital, the hidden danger might be staffing cuts

If you end up in the hospital, the most dangerous thing in the room might not be your illness—it could be the staffing cuts you don’t see coming.

Whether you’re cheering its passage or not, the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) has sent shockwaves through the healthcare world. While its provisions don’t take effect until 2028, hospitals across the country are already making budget-driven changes, and many of those changes will directly impact patient safety.

Why hospitals are tightening their belts

The BBB brings significant Medicaid and budget adjustments. In response, hospital leadership and outside consultants are combing through financials to identify cuts. Unfortunately, staffing—especially bedside nursing staff—is often first on the chopping block, along with education budgets, travel, and facility upgrades.

The nursing shortage: About to get worse

The nursing shortage isn’t new. It’s been building for decades due to an aging workforce, a lack of nursing educators, and increasing patient needs. Two relatively recent events have accelerated the crisis:

  • The Affordable Care Act (ACA) pulled nurses away from the bedside by introducing documentation mandates that require more time at a computer and less at the patient’s bedside.

  • COVID-19 drove many nurses away entirely—either through burnout or vaccine mandate disputes.

While some states (like Kentucky) have tried to boost the workforce with loan forgiveness, scholarships, and streamlined licensing, the shortage at this point is severe and ongoing.

What this means in real terms:

  • ICU nurses who once cared for 1–2 patients may now regularly care for 3, especially on the night shift.

  • Medical/Surgical nurses once managing 4–5 patients could soon be responsible for 6 or more.

Fewer nurses per patient means less time for care, slower responses to emergencies, and a greater chance of errors.

What you can do to stay safe

If you or a loved one are hospitalized, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself despite these changes:

  • Create a hospital binder in hard copy or electronically – Include your most updated medical power of attorney, living will, recent imaging disks/reports, lab results, current medication list, allergies, and emergency contact information. Having this ready helps prevent miscommunication in those critical first hours of care. You can also use an app, like Primary Record, to manage all of that electronically.

  • Keep a written log – Record medication times, tests, and updates from staff so nothing gets missed.

  • Know your care plan – Ask for clear explanations of treatments, tests, and next steps so you can spot inconsistencies.

  • Speak up early – Report changes in symptoms or concerns right away; early communication can prevent complications.

  • Bring a bedside advocate – Whether it’s a family member, friend, or professional patient advocate, having someone else tracking care and asking questions can make all the difference.

The bottom line

Healthcare systems may frame these cuts as “productivity boosts,” but for patients, the stakes are personal and potentially life-altering. While you can’t control staffing decisions, you can control how prepared and informed you are when you or your loved ones enter the hospital. The key is preparation before it happens.

At Norbella, our Board Certified Patient Advocates are here to be that extra set of eyes, ears, and hands—making sure important details aren’t missed and helping you navigate the system safely. In an era of tighter budgets and fewer staff, advocacy isn’t a luxury. It’s a safeguard.

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Caroline Kim Caroline Kim

ER Roulette: Don’t leave your health—or your bank account—to chance

By Norbella Health Advocates
Professional Patient Advocacy for Real Life

By Norbella Health Advocates
Professional Patient Advocacy for Real Life


When a medical emergency strikes, there’s no time for second-guessing.
But too often, patients and caregivers are left asking:
Do I need the ER or urgent care? Will insurance even cover this? What do I bring? Who do I call?

Welcome to what we call ER Roulette—where a wrong move can cost you precious time, the wrong care, or a financial nightmare.

Let’s stop gambling with your health.

This guide will help you understand:

  • When the ER is truly necessary

  • What you can manage at home or urgent care

  • How to prep for emergencies before they happen

  • Common insurance traps to avoid

  • When to call in a patient advocate to fight for your care

The risky business of ER decisions

It’s 2:00 a.m. Your loved one is in pain. You’re Googling symptoms. You’re debating whether to ride it out or race to the hospital.

It shouldn’t feel like a coin toss. But for most families, it does.
Why? Because no one teaches us how to navigate emergencies until we’re already in one.

At Norbella Health Advocates, we walk beside families during their hardest moments—so here’s what you need to know before the sirens start blaring.

🚑 When you should go to the ER

Skip the Internet wormhole. If you’re experiencing any of the following, head straight to the ER:

  • Chest pain or pressure (especially with shortness of breath or nausea)

  • Severe difficulty breathing

  • Sudden weakness, numbness, or confusion (possible stroke)

  • Head trauma or loss of consciousness

  • Uncontrollable bleeding

  • Seizures, especially if new

  • Suicidal thoughts or severe mental health crisis

  • Vomiting blood, passing black or bloody stools

  • Signs of sepsis: fever + low blood pressure + confusion = go now

If your gut says, “this feels serious,” trust it. It’s better to get checked than to wait too long.

When it’s Not the ER (but still urgent)

If it’s not life-threatening but still needs medical attention soon, urgent care is your friend. Use it for:

  • Sprains, strains, or suspected minor fractures

  • Small cuts needing stitches

  • Fever, flu, strep, or UTI symptoms

  • Mild allergic reactions or rashes

  • Ear infections or sinus pain

  • Migraine or moderate dehydration

⚠️ Tip: Always call ahead to confirm that the urgent care can treat your issue and accepts your insurance.

Ready your “Go Bag” for the unexpected

In an emergency, you won’t be thinking straight. Here’s what to pack now—so you’re ready later.

ER “Go Bag” Checklist:

  • Current ID + Insurance card

  • Medication list (include doses, allergies, and supplements)

  • Health summary sheet (diagnoses, past surgeries, current providers)

  • A printed copy of advanced directives, if you have one

  • Phone charger + backup battery

  • Headphones or earplugs (ERs are LOUD)

  • Water, snacks, lip balm, hand sanitizer

  • A notepad or your Notes app to record what doctors say

Don’t get blindsided by ER bills

Here’s the truth: even a 15-minute ER visit can turn into a $3,000+ bill—especially if you don’t know what to watch out for.

Here’s what catches most patients off guard:

🚫 Surprise #1: You thought it was in-network.

Many hospitals are “in-network,” but the ER doctors might not be. That CT scan? It might be billed by an out-of-network radiologist. Cue the surprise bill.

🚫 Surprise #2: The insurance denied it later.

If your condition doesn’t meet their “emergency” definition, your insurance may not cover it—even if it felt emergent to you.

🚫 Surprise #3: You didn’t notify your insurance provider/plan.

Some insurers require that you notify them or your primary doctor within 48–72 hours of the ER visit. Miss that window? Denied follow-up coverage.

What to Know:

  • You don’t need prior authorization for real emergencies

  • The No Surprises Act offers some protection—but it doesn’t cover everything

  • You have the right to ask for itemized bills and appeal insurance denials

  • More info here: CMS.gov – No Surprises Act 

When to call a patient advocate for help

You shouldn’t have to fight for care while you’re in crisis. That’s where we come in. At Norbella Health Advocates, we help clients:

  • Determine the right care setting (ER, urgent care, PCP)

  • Create ready-to-go emergency files and care plans

  • Navigate hospital admissions, discharges, and follow-up

  • Coordinate with multiple providers

  • Review bills and fight unfair charges

  • Communicate clearly with overwhelmed healthcare systems

Whether you’re a caregiver juggling too much, a professional facing a new diagnosis, or a chronic illness warrior already exhausted by the system—you deserve backup.

Your emergency shouldn’t be a gamble

The ER is not a place you want to end up by accident, underprepared, or blindsided by cost.

With the right tools, knowledge, and support—you can stay calm in the chaos and take back control of your care.

Need help navigating an emergency or making a plan now—before one strikes?
Learn more about our services at NorbellaHealthAdvocates.com. Or reach out for a confidential consultation today.

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