Effective advocacy for patients with inflammatory bowel disease: communication with insurance companies, school administrators, employers, and other health care overseers

Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2006 Aug;12(8):814-23. doi: 10.1097/00054725-200608000-00017.

Abstract

In addition to their physical challenges, children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) living in the United States face a number of administrative and regulatory hurdles that affect their quality of life. This article, written by a physician, attorney/patient advocate, and social worker, discusses a number of these challenges and describes how the provider can help his or her patient overcome them. Specifically, the article discusses 4 areas in detail: appeals of denials of coverage from insurance companies and third party payors; assisting children with IBD with classroom and school accommodations; assisting uninsured children in obtaining Social Security benefits; and aiding a parent to care for their child using the Family and Medical Leave Act. Although this article has a pediatric focus, adults have similar advocacy needs. Case examples and sample letters to third-party payors, schools, and employers are included in this article.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Advocacy / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Family Leave / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases*
  • Insurance Coverage / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Insurance, Health, Reimbursement
  • Patient Advocacy / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Schools / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Social Security*
  • Students / legislation & jurisprudence
  • United States