Today we’re proud to release a video that’s been in development for a long time. Our goal was to explain in simple terms how Foundation Medicine makes their genomic test affordable to all. The video will be used to help FM’s patient service and sales teams save tons of time explaining the billing, insurance reimbursement, and financial assistance processes.

For greater context, check out Foundation Medicine’s fantastic landing page that explains the patient cancer journey.

The script:

At Foundation Medicine, we understand that when you or a loved one is battling cancer, confusing documents and financial burden are the last things you want to worry about.

That’s why we created the Foundation ACCESS program, which offers direct support and guidance during each step of the billing process.

When your doctor recommends one of our tests, you may have questions about cost and what your out-of-pocket expense may be. Foundation Medicine is currently an out-of-network provider for many insurers, which means your test may not be automatically covered by your insurance.

The Foundation ACCESS program is here to help with these issues and more. To get started, complete and submit the financial assistance application available at mycancerisunique.com. This simple form requests your basic financial information.

Once submitted, we’ll respond to your application within two business days, estimating your maximum financial obligation only in the event that your test is not covered by insurance. The amount of this estimate may be different from your final bill.

With a clearer picture of your financial obligations, you can choose to move forward with the test. Inform your doctor that you’re ready, and when the test results are delivered, we’ll send you a letter notifying you that we have billed your insurance.

Next, your insurer may send you an explanation of benefits, or EOB, that estimates your coverage for the test. This letter is not a bill and it is not a final decision about your coverage.

Your insurance company may deny all or part of the test fee. However, Foundation Medicine will promptly appeal this coverage decision for you. In some cases, we may send you a form that requests your consent to appeal on your behalf. To get the best coverage for you, it’s vital that you complete and submit this form as soon as you can. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help filling it out.

The last step is your final bill. You will only receive a bill from us once we’ve completed all appeals to your insurer. The amount due may simply be your insurance co-payment or deductible, which would be required for any provider–such as your hospital or physician–to charge for any procedure. Based on your ACCESS Application, we may offer a need-based discount, an affordable payment plan, or both to assist with your out-of-pocket costs. Your bill will reflect your final responsibility, less any discounts applied based on your financial situation.

Keep in mind that you can request financial assistance at any time before or after your test is complete. And even if you haven’t submitted a financial assistance application, we may reach out during the billing process to request one from you if we feel it may be helpful to you. We work with every patient within their ability to pay.

In this trying time, we want to make the billing process as simple as possible, all while ensuring our test is affordable to you. Have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help every step of the way.

We’re very proud and honored to welcome Erica Rabner to the team as our Chief Happiness Officer and Production Assistant. We first got to know Erica through our work with WGBH, where she served as Special Projects Assistant. We couldn’t be more delighted to have her onboard.

Erica is currently pursuing a masters in Technology, Innovation, and Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education to apply her knowledge of child development and research methodology to the educational media industry. Outside the classroom, Erica enjoys working on STEAM Adventures at the Harvard Innovation Lab and building the Children’s Media Association presence in Boston as their Events Co-Chair.

When she isn’t busy working on projects, you can find Erica singing soul, jazz, and soft rock at the Harvard Yard Starbucks as part of Accidental Duet.

Erica studied psychology and theater arts at Brandeis University.

Our latest video explains how Tripod helps teachers and administrators gain crucial insights about student experiences, insights that make it possible to help every student engage and succeed. We loved working with Tripod Education Partners on this one and we were honored to be a part of their mission.

The script:

Imagine what teachers might do differently if they understood what students were really feeling and experiencing in the classroom.

Thanks to Tripod, giving teachers access to student perspectives is an easy process.

First, administrators log into their Tripod account and invite teachers to launch a classroom-level survey. Teachers can get started with a survey in just a few clicks.

Next, students fill out the survey on computers or other devices with Internet access, revealing thoughts more honestly and completely than they ever could in the daily flow of classroom life.

Tripod surveys measure a range of key indicators of student engagement, plus seven proven teaching components we call the Tripod 7 Cs.

Survey results are compiled for teachers in clear online reports that inspire new ideas for teaching. Meanwhile, building-level summaries for administrators spark fresh insights for instructional leadership. Before you know it, students are more engaged, and more successful.

At Tripod, we know that every classroom has a story. Join us to discover all that your students are ready to share.