Lingraphica Staff and Patient, Randal Lee's Family Turn Insurance Denial into Authorization When his private insurer denied 42-year-old stroke survivor, Randal Lee, coverage for a Lingraphica, he and his wife were devastated. After his two week trial with it, they already knew that the Lingraphica was the answer to getting Randy back to communicating.

Not willing to settle for the denial, Randal's SLP, Connie Guggenheimer; his wife, Shelly; and Lingraphica's staff put their heads together and came up with a plan ...why not document every time Randy's used his Lingraphica in the community to prove to the insurer just how much it was helping him to communicate. When Randy used the Lingraphica to order a Santa Fe Turkey and Bacon sandwich at the Eat N Park they noted it down. When he used it to buy lottery tickets at TJ's Deli they noted that too. Even when he used it to tell his family what to pack for their vacation, they made a note. Then, to put the icing on the cake, they had the convenience store clerk, the deli manager and Randy's mother-in-law write letters to the insurance company.

In her letter the convenience store clerk said this:

"After his stroke, when he would come into our store you could see the frustration on his face and in his voice trying to convey what he wanted. Since receiving the computer you can see his confidence returning more and more as he communicates what he needs."

A month after the initial denial, Lingraphica's Reimbursement Specialist, Kevin Sigman, resubmitted the claim along with the letters and documentation. This time the insurer reversed their decision and came back with an authorization. Needless to say, Randy and his wife were thrilled.

Shelly expressed her thanks to our staff in an email.

"My daughters take turns working with Randy on the computer for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. The Lingraphica will allow our family to function as a whole.The words 'Thank you' could never express my appreciation."

Recently, when Randy showed up at the convenience store without his Lingraphica, the clerk sent him back home to get it so that they could communicate about what Randy wanted to buy. Needless to say Randy complied!




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