Shows
Take CareWhen to Choose the Self-Pay Option Instead of InsuranceWhen does it make sense to pay out of pocket for healthcare instead of using insurance?In this episode of the Take Care podcast, Melody Mulaik answers David’s question about the pros and cons of self-pay (cash pay) versus using health insurance for medical services.She walks through real-life situations where paying out of pocket may cost less, when insurance is clearly the better choice, and the key tradeoffs to think through before making a decision.What You’ll Learn:[00:02:40] Why self-pay can sometimes be cheaper than using insurance, including a $75 self...
2026-02-2407 minTake CareHow to Get a Medical Second Opinion in 3 StepsGet a second opinion without the stress spiral.In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik shares a simple 3-step process you can use to advocate for yourself or a loved one.What You’ll Learn:The 3-step framework for getting a second opinionHow to talk to your current physician openly and productivelyHow to keep continuity of care so nothing falls through the cracksA real-world example from Take Care about seeking specialty input for a child’s conditionTimestamps:00:00:13 Listener question and why second opinions matter00:00:50 Step 1: Research00:01:00 Step...
2026-02-1703 minTake CareWhy Does the Insurance Company Pay Less Than What My Physician Charges?Why does your doctor bill one amount, but your insurance pays something completely different? In this episode of the Take Care podcast, Melody Mulaik breaks down one of the most confusing parts of healthcare billing and explains why the number on your bill is rarely the number your physician receives.Using a real listener question, this episode walks through how insurance contracts work, how in-network and out-of-network status is decided, and why Medicare rates play such a big role in what doctors are paid. Melody also explains the real costs physicians carry behind the scenes and why...
2026-02-1005 minTake CareWhy Did I Get a Separate Lab Bill? Understanding Unexpected Charges BillYou went to the doctor, paid your copay… and then a separate lab bill showed up. Why does this happen?In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik explains why lab work is often billed separately from your doctor’s visit, how insurance companies classify lab services, and why those charges may apply to your deductible instead of your copay.You’ll learn the difference between preventive and diagnostic lab tests, what questions to ask before getting bloodwork done, and how to check your insurance so you only pay what you truly owe.This e...
2026-02-0308 minTake CareWhere Should I Get My Prescriptions Filled? Mail Order vs Local PharmacyFilling a prescription seems simple until you’re faced with multiple options, insurance rules, and cost differences that aren’t always explained.In this episode of Take Care, host Melody Mulaik answers a listener’s question: Where should I get my prescriptions filled? Melody walks through the pros and cons of local pharmacies versus mail-order prescriptions and explains how to decide based on urgency, cost, insurance coverage, and personal preference.This episode helps you understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer and that you’re allowed to mix and change options as your needs evolve.In th...
2026-01-2705 minTake CareWhat to Do When Your Physician Dismisses You as a PatientFinding out your doctor can no longer see you is a jarring experience that can leave you feeling dismissed and anxious about your health. In this episode of Take Care, host Melody Mulaik demystifies the process of "physician dismissal." You’ll learn why this happens, what legal protections you have against patient abandonment, and most importantly, the immediate steps you need to take to ensure your care isn't interrupted.In this episode, Melody discusses:[00:45] The Hard Truth: Can a doctor really "fire" a patient?[01:10] Understanding Patient Abandonment: Why they can’t just stop...
2026-01-2005 minTake CareYour Medical Information, Your Rights: HIPAAHave you ever signed a HIPAA form at the doctor’s office and wondered what you were actually agreeing to? In this episode, Melody Mulaik breaks down the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to demonstrate that it’s more than just paperwork; it’s a powerful tool for patient empowerment. From your right to access your own records to how you can dictate who sees your information, Melody explains how to navigate these protections to ensure your healthcare remains accurate, private, and within your control.In this episode, Melody discusses:[00:00] What is...
2026-01-1307 min
Take CareTelehealth Explained: Navigating Virtual Care, Insurance, and Online Safety | Take Care TogetherMelody Mulaik and Ashley Hunter demystify the world of telehealth and telemedicine. From diagnosing a sinus infection from your couch to managing a specialist's care in a different state, virtual visits have transformed how we access healthcare. But with new technology comes new questions: Is my insurance going to pay for this? Is that TikTok ad for medication legitimate? Melody and Ashley break down the "how-to" of virtual care, provide a framework for vetting online services, and share tips for helping older family members navigate digital appointments.Featured Topics:Understanding th...
2026-01-0620 minTake CareTop 5 Medical Billing Questions Answered: Your Bill Validation GuideNavigating the mountain of medical correspondence and bills is one of the most stressful parts of receiving care. Melody Mulaik breaks down the top five most confusing medical billing issues and gives you a clear, actionable plan to validate every charge, so you only pay what you truly owe.Learn the critical difference between the communication that says "This is not a bill" and the final statement that requests payment. Most importantly, Melody provides the one non-negotiable step you must take with your insurance company before making that payment.Featured Topics:...
2025-12-1621 minTake CareTop 5 Things you Need to Know to Get the Care You NeedNavigating your health requires more than just showing up; it requires a strategy. Melody Mulaik breaks down the complexities into five actionable steps, so you can stop feeling powerless and start getting the high-quality, timely care you deserve.Are you struggling to find a specialist without a three-month wait? Does your doctor rush you and type on a computer instead of listening? Are you sick and need care today? Melody provides insider strategies for all these common pain points.Featured Topics:Strategically Find Your Doctor. Go beyond proximity and personal...
2025-12-0225 minTake CareFSA vs HSA: What's the Difference and How to Choose the Right Account?Deciding between an FSA and an HSA can feel like a financial gamble, especially with the 'use it or lose it' rule hanging over an FSA. Melody Mulaik breaks down the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and the Health Savings Account (HSA). Learn the critical differences in funding, ownership, portability, and rollover rules so you can confidently set aside pre-tax dollars to cover your family’s qualified medical expenses. Whether you're in a high-deductible plan or planning for predictable healthcare needs, this episode will help you invest wisely and lower your taxable income.Feat...
2025-11-2506 minTake CareHow to Decipher Insurance Claims and Understand What You OweGetting a statement from your insurance company can feel like trying to read a foreign language. What is an EOB? Why does it say, "This is not a bill?" And most importantly, what do you actually owe?Melody Mulaik demystifies the Explanation of Benefits (EOB). She walks you through, step-by-step, how to find your EOBs on your insurer's website and how to read them line by line. You'll learn the difference between the "amount billed" and the "member rate," how to track your deductible, and what co-insurance really means for your wallet.Stop guessing and...
2025-11-1808 minTake CareWhat is Pregnancy Global Package Billing?Expecting a baby is an exciting time, but the financial paperwork can be confusing. When Caroline’s OB-GYN handed her a financial agreement for a “global billing package,” she wasn’t sure what it meant for her costs.In this episode, Melody breaks down exactly what a maternity global package is and why it’s used. Learn the critical steps to verify the cost with your insurance, what questions to ask about included and excluded services, and how to make sure you don't get hit with unexpected fees from the hospital. This is your guide to financially preparing...
2025-11-1104 min
Take CareHow to Choose the Right Insurance Plan for You | Take Care TogetherChoosing a health insurance plan can be one of the most confusing and stressful decisions you make all year. Whether you're aging off your parents' plan, starting a new job, or navigating open enrollment, that list of options can feel overwhelming.In the Take Care Together series, Melody Mulaik is joined by her daughter, Ashley, to break down the process from two different generational perspectives. They demystify the confusing jargon, explain the real-world differences between plan types, and give you a practical framework to help you stop guessing and confidently choose the plan that's actually...
2025-11-0428 minTake CareCan I See an Out of Network Provider?Your doctor recommends an out-of-network specialist, leaving you with a critical question: Can you see them, and more importantly, what will it cost you? This episode tackles the financial stress and confusion that comes with going out-of-network. Melody breaks down the problem into a simple, two-part framework to help you understand your options and your financial responsibility before you make an appointment.Learn the exact steps to determine what your insurance will (or won't) cover, how to talk to the specialist's office about payment options, and how to avoid surprise bills. This practical guide empowers you to...
2025-10-2804 minTake CareHow to Plan Ahead for ER Visits: Reduce Stress and Control Medical BillsWhen a loved one is sick, the last thing you want to stress about is which hospital will cost less. In this episode, Melody answers a question from a listener who struggles with this exact problem and lays out a simple, proactive plan you can follow before an emergency happens.Featured topics in this episode:The critical difference between "in-network" and "out-of-network" hospitals is that choosing the wrong one can significantly impact your final bill.How to understand your specific insurance costs for an emergency, from the initial ER co-payment to the potential fees...
2025-10-2108 minTake CareWhat to Do When Insurance Denies Your Hospital Stay?That letter from your insurance company saying a hospital stay was "not medically necessary" is enough to cause panic. But before you pick up the phone, take a breath. In this episode, Melody Mulaik explains exactly why you shouldn't do anything at all.Learn why this letter is just the opening move in a negotiation between your hospital and your insurer, what the hospital is required to do next, and how your final bill is actually determined. This practical guide will help you stay calm and in control, ensuring you only pay what you truly owe.
2025-10-1404 minTake CareWhat Can I Do If My Insurance Won’t Approve My Surgery?Learning that your insurance company won't approve a necessary surgery can be terrifying and frustrating. But a denial is rarely the final word. In this quick-hitting episode, host Melody Mulaik demystifies the insurance approval process and provides a clear, step-by-step action plan to fight back. Drawing on her extensive industry experience, Melody explains why denials happen, how to effectively partner with your physician's office, and the critical importance of documenting "medical necessity." This episode equips you with the tools and tenacity to challenge a denial and advocate for the care you deserve, turning a stressful "no" into a...
2025-10-0705 minTake CareDo I Have to Go to the MRI Center My Insurance Company Picked?Your insurance company calls with a suggestion for where to get your MRI, but it's a place you've never heard of. Do you have to go there? Melody Mulaik breaks down why insurers guide patients to specific imaging centers, and it often comes down to cost. She explains that while these centers can be high-quality and save you money, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or quality for savings. Melody provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to research a recommended facility, what red flags to look for, and how to make the final decision that’s right for...
2025-09-3003 minTake CareDo I Have to Pay a Fee for Canceling a Doctor’s Appointment?Have you ever had to cancel a doctor's appointment at the last minute because you were sick, only to receive a bill for a missed appointment fee? Melody Mulaik tackles this common frustration. She explains that while these policies are becoming more frequent to protect a doctor's schedule and revenue, you don't always have to pay the fee. Melody provides a clear, step-by-step guide on who to talk to, from the billing office to the physicians themselves, and exactly what to say to ask for the fee to be waived, especially when you have a legitimate reason like the...
2025-09-2303 minTake CareHow Can I Avoid Waiting at the Doctor’s Office?Is there anything more frustrating than showing up on time for a doctor's appointment, only to spend the next hour in the waiting room? Host Melody Mulaik tackles this universal problem with practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help you get seen faster. Drawing on insider knowledge, Melody explains how simple shifts in scheduling, like knowing the "golden hours" to book, can dramatically reduce your wait. She also provides tips for communicating with both the scheduling staff and your doctor to make your visits more efficient and less stressful.Featured Topics:Why booking the first appointment...
2025-09-1604 minTake CareIs This a Bill? Figuring Out Medical Paperwork, What to Pay and WhenThe flood of paperwork after a doctor's visit or hospital stay can be incredibly stressful. How do you know what's a real bill versus just an update? Host Melody Mulaik walks through how to tell “Is this a bill?” So that you can figure out your medical paperwork, what to pay and when. She explains the difference between a "this is not a bill" notice and an actual bill, and walks you through the single most important step you must take before ever paying a provider: verifying the charge with your insurance company. Learn how to log into...
2025-09-0904 minTake CareWhat to Do When Your Doctor Bills You Before Submitting a Bill to Your Insurance?Receiving a bill from your doctor or hospital before a claim appears on your insurance website can be frustrating and confusing. Melody Mulaik explains What to Do When Your Doctor Bills You Before Submitting a Bill to Your Insurance? Why this happens, how often these billing errors occur, and the best steps to resolve them. She details how to check your insurer’s portal, contact the billing office, and ensure your information is up to date. Melody also covers typical reasons for delayed or missed submissions, especially when multiple providers like anesthesiologists and radiologists are involved. Listeners will gain cl...
2025-09-0903 minTake CareHow to Get Your Doctor to Listen: Patient Advocacy TipsIt’s a frustratingly common experience: your doctor is rushed, typing on a computer, and barely making eye contact, leaving you feeling unheard and intimidated. In this episode, Melody Mulaik tackles a listener's question “How to Get Your Doctor to Listen?” This happens too often in the modern electronic age, so Melody provides word-for-word scripts you can use to politely but firmly get the time and attention you need. Melody encourages you to advocate for yourself, reminding you that your appointment is for you, and you should never leave until your questions are answered.Featured Topics:...
2025-09-0904 minTake CareHow to Get an Appointment ASAP: A Patient's Guide to Faster CareHave you ever been told it will be three to four months before you can see a specialist? When you're dealing with a health issue, waiting is the last thing you want to do. Melody Mulaik provides a clear, four-step strategy for securing a doctor's appointment as quickly as possible. From leveraging online portals and waitlists to knowing who to call and, as a last resort, showing up in person, you'll learn how to advocate for yourself effectively and politely. These practical tactics can help you navigate the system and get the timely care you deserve....
2025-09-0907 minTake CareWho’s in Charge of My Loved One’s Care? A Caregiver’s Guide to Hospital TeamsWhen a loved one is admitted to the hospital, it can feel chaotic and disorganized, leaving you wondering who is actually in charge of their care. Melody Mulaik answers a listener's question about how to identify the lead physician coordinating her brother's care after a car accident. She demystifies the modern hospital structure, explaining the crucial role of the "hospitalist" group in admitting patients and managing their overall treatment plan. You'll learn a clear, step-by-step process for getting the information you need, communicating effectively with staff, and advocating for your family member with confidence.Featured Topics:
2025-09-0905 minTake CareDo I Have to Pay a Medical Bill That Arrives Months Later?It’s one of the most frustrating healthcare experiences: you think you’ve settled all the costs from a procedure, and then months later, another bill appears out of nowhere. Do you have to pay for it? In this episode, Melody Mulaik tackles this common question by introducing the critical concept of "timely filing." She explains that providers have a contractual deadline to submit bills to your insurance, and if they miss it, you may not be responsible for the cost. Learn the simple research step you must take before paying any late medical bill to see if th...
2025-09-0902 minTake CareWhere to Turn When Your Doctor Can’t See You: A 4-Step GuideWhat do you do when you need to see your physician today, but your doctor’s office has no available appointments? For non-life-threatening illnesses like a sinus or ear infection, waiting isn't an option. In this episode, Melody Mulaik lays out a clear, four-step strategy to get the timely care you need. From leveraging technology for virtual visits through your provider or insurance company to knowing when and how to use urgent care, Melody provides a practical guide to your same-day healthcare options, ensuring you know where to turn when your primary care physician isn't available.Fe...
2025-09-0904 minTake CareWhy Do I Get Multiple Bills After an ER Visit?After a trip to the emergency room, the last thing you want is a confusing stack of bills. Host Melody Mulaik tackles a common question from a neighbor: Why did one ER visit generate multiple separate bills? Melody breaks down the different entities involved in your care from the hospital itself to the various physicians and explains why each one bills separately for their distinct services. This episode clarifies the difference between facility charges and professional fees, helping you understand what you’re paying for so you can verify that every bill is accurate.Featured Top...
2025-09-0903 minTake CareWho’s in Charge of My Loved One’s Care? A Caregiver’s Guide to Hospital TeamsWhen a loved one is admitted to the hospital, it can feel chaotic and disorganized, leaving you wondering who is actually in charge of their care. Melody Mulaik answers a listener's question about how to identify the lead physician coordinating her brother's care after a car accident. She demystifies the modern hospital structure, explaining the crucial role of the "hospitalist" group in admitting patients and managing their overall treatment plan. You'll learn a clear, step-by-step process for getting the information you need, communicating effectively with staff, and advocating for your family member with confidence.Featured Topics:
2025-09-0905 minTake CareCaregiving & Doctor Visits: Ensuring Your Parent Gets the Right CareWhen an aging parent starts forgetting to share key details with their doctor, it can be stressful for the whole family. Melody Mulaik provides a compassionate and practical roadmap for adult children who want to step in and help. She tackles the challenge of how to be an effective advocate while still respecting your parents' autonomy. Melody walks through the essential first steps, from having an open conversation about their needs to the critical legal step of getting permission to access their medical records. You'll learn how to prepare for appointments to make them as effective as possible and...
2025-09-0907 minTake CareHow to Find the Best Doctor for You and Your FamilyFinding a great doctor can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Melody Mulaik redefines what "best doctor" means, moving beyond simple factors like proximity and personality to focus on expertise, reputation, and credentials. She shares practical strategies for building your own list of potential physicians, from asking the right questions to friends and family to leveraging your current doctor's professional network. Melody also explains the importance of doing your own research to vet a provider's background, and why preparing a list of specialists before you need them can save you a lot of stress.
2025-09-0906 minTake CareHow You Can Get Better Healthcare: Introducing the Take Care Podcast | TrailerWelcome to the Take Care Podcast! Frustrated by how difficult it is for people to navigate the complicated healthcare system, host Melody Mulaik launched the Take Care podcast to empower listeners with the knowledge and resources they need to better navigate their healthcare. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in the industry, Melody pulls back the curtain on the confusing world of healthcare - from finding the right doctor to interpreting medical bills - and provides practical tips to help you advocate for yourself and your loved ones. Melody shares the inspiration behind starting the podcast and how you...
2025-08-3102 min
Medical Imaging MattersBreaking Down the Regulatory Landscape for Medical Imaging LeadersIn this episode of Medical Imaging Matters, AHRA Executive Director Jason Newmark sits down with Nathan Baugh of Capitol Associates and Melody Mulaik of R3 to discuss the regulatory and legislative landscape in healthcare and its effects on medical imaging. Tune in as they share their expertise on complex issues, from the reduction of government spending to the potential effects on Medicare and Medicaid, updates around remote scanning and MRI safety codes, and more. As two members of AHRA’s Regulatory Affairs Committee and experts in this space, Nathan and Melody offer a thoughtful primer for...
2025-03-2636 min
Excellence In Healthcare Podcast023_How Revenue Cycle Innovations Are Shaping Healthcare Excellence with Melody MulaikSend a text Host: Jarvis T. Gray, The Quality Coaching Co.Guest: Melody Mulaik, President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies LLCEpisode Overview: Join us for this insightful episode of the Excellence in Healthcare podcast as Jarvis welcomes a special guest, Melody Mulaik , a pioneer in the revenue cycle space. Melody, President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies LLC, shares her unique journey from industrial engineering to leading a successful healthcare-focused business. This episode is packed with leadership insights, challenges, practical advice, and strategies for achieving excellence in he...
2025-02-1131 min
CollaborationRARA: Billing And Ongoing DiscussionsThis week our featured guest is Melody Mulaik, President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies. Listen in as she takes time with us to shed light on some of the questions that continue to be raised about billing for the Radiologist Assistant (RA) profession. We take and extensive look into the 2019 CMS billing guidelines, incident to, value in the RA, seeking support, MARCA, and how Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy professionals can advance into the medical billing and coding profession.
Disclaimer: This podcast episode was record for the purpose of offering an opportunity to openly discuss some...
2024-02-0641 min
1st Talk ComplianceAUC – Delayed but not Gone: Audio Version of the WebinarMelody W. Mulaik, MSHS, FAHRA, CRA, RCC, RCC-IR, CPC, CPC-H is the President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies LLC and our esteemed presenter. 2022 was scheduled to be the the official implementation date for AUC/CDS implementation but the 2022 Proposed Rule threw everyone a little curve ball. While a delay will occur it does not change the direction of the program or the need to prepare and test. As providers continue to either prepare their own practices or bridge the gap with imaging facilities, it is important that everyone be on the same page throughout the CMS implementation and remaining testing...
2021-12-1559 min
1st Talk ComplianceAppropriate Use Criteria – Delayed but Not GoneCatherine Short speaks with Melody Mulaik, President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies, a dynamic company that works with physician practices, healthcare systems, billing companies and other industry stakeholders to provide auditing, education and other collaborative consulting solutions to meet their coding and compliance needs. First Healthcare Compliance is a proud partner of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies and our clients have enjoyed many webinars and previous podcasts by this team of experts. Melody joins us to address a current hot topic, “AUC – Delayed but not Gone.” 2022 was scheduled to be the official implementation date for AUC/CDS implementation but the 2022 Proposed Rule t...
2021-12-1523 min1st Talk Compliance1, 2, 3's of Coding, Billing, & AuditingMelody W. Mulaik, MSHS, FAHRA, CRA, RCC, RCC-IR, CPC, CPC-H is the President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies LLC and our presenter. Every organization needs to ensure correct coding and billing practices to optimize appropriate reimbursement and adhere to payer and CMS guidelines. Whether the providers are responsible for coding or the organization employs coding professionals there are steps every organization should take to ensure correct processes. This session will break down the key areas of concern and provide realistic solutions to efficiently and effective validate current processes and identify areas of potential concern.
2021-04-271h 021st Talk ComplianceAppropriate Use Criteria: What you Need to KnowCatherine Short speaks with Melody Mulaik, President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies to address a current hot topic, “Appropriate Use Criteria: What you Need to Know.” 2021 is also going to be an official CMS testing year for AUC/CDS implementation. This episode will identify specific areas of concern for your organization regarding AUC/CDS implementation, help you to facilitate discussions with all stakeholders to ensure all perspectives are heard and addressed, and assist in designing actions that can be taken to facilitate a successful implementation to ensure revenue is not negatively impacted.
2020-12-2228 min1st Talk ComplianceDiagnosis Coding: The Cost of One and DoneFirst Healthcare Compliance hosts Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS is President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies LLC for an interactive discussion on “Diagnosis Coding: The Cost of One and Done.” The documentation of detailed clinical information should result in the assignment of accurate and hopefully reimbursable diagnosis codes. As practices look to streamline documentation and coding processes it is critical to practice continual quality improvement.
The goal should always be to minimize additional work for providers while ensuring that the patients’ needs are being addressed clinically and financially. This session focuses on key areas of concern to balance compliance with operational effici...
2020-08-181h 001st Talk ComplianceAppropriate Use Criteria: What you Need to KnowFirst Healthcare Compliance hosts Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS is President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies LLC for an interactive discussion on “Appropriate Use Criteria: What you Need to Know.” 2020 is the official CMS testing year for AUC/CDS implementation. As organizations continue to bridge the gap with imaging facilities, it is important that everyone be on the same page throughout the CMS implementation and testing period.
Additionally, any physician practices that perform and bill for diagnostic services must ensure compliance through correct billing practices. Working through the charge capture processes and identifying where gaps currently exist will ensure that plans can...
2020-06-1858 min1st Talk Compliance1st Talk Compliance: From MGMA19 in New Orleans – Guests Melody Mulaik and Rene’ ComireHost Catherine Short live from the MGMA Annual Conference 2019 in New Orleans with guests Melody Mulaik and Rene' Comire.
Catherine speaks with Melody Mulaik, MSHS, President of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies, a First Healthcare Compliance partner, about “Appropriate Use Criteria Consultations Requirements – 2021 and Beyond.” Melody discusses the Appropriate Use Criteria and its regulatory requirements, reviews expectations for ordering providers, and evaluates what is necessary for performing providers.
Next, Catherine interviews a long time First Healthcare Compliance client, Rene’ Comire, CMPE, Practice Manager at Manchester Ob/Gyn Associates in New Hampshire. Rene' discusses the challenges and opportunities at Manchester Ob/Gyn Associat...
2019-11-2824 min