Charles B. Inlander

Charles B. Inlander, a consumer advocate and health-care consultant based in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania. He was the founding president of the nonprofit People’s Medical Society, a consumer-advocacy organization credited with key improvements in the quality of US health care, and is the author or coauthor of more than 20 consumer-health books.

Going Abroad? Don’t Leave Home Without Travel Medical Insurance
Travel

Going Abroad? Don’t Leave Home Without Travel Medical Insurance

Charles B. Inlander | September 16, 2019

A trip abroad can be a vacation of a lifetime. But if you get sick or injured, the bills can be huge. Here’s the insurance that will protect you…

How to Get Your Doctor to Return Your Call (or E-Mail)

How to Get Your Doctor to Return Your Call (or E-Mail)

Charles B. Inlander | May 15, 2019

If you have a question for your doctor, are you sure that your phone call or email will get a response? Here’s how to ensure that you do hear back…

How to Find Out the Cost of Hospital Care
Medical Expenses

How to Find Out the Cost of Hospital Care

Charles B. Inlander | April 15, 2019

Until recently, the cost of hospital care was largely a mystery until you or your insurer got billed. Now, you can find out sooner. Here’s how…

Facility Charge Is Latest Hidden Health-Care Fee

Facility Charge Is Latest Hidden Health-Care Fee

Charles B. Inlander | March 11, 2019

When receiving medical care, you don’t expect to get a bill from a facility you didn't visit. But hospitals are doing just that. How to avoid paying…

Smart Ways to Keep Track of Your Medical Records

Smart Ways to Keep Track of Your Medical Records

Charles B. Inlander | February 7, 2019

Over your lifetime, you’ll get medical care from dozens of providers. Here’s how to keep track of all these important records…

Don’t Let “Step Therapy” Prevent You from Getting the Medication You Need

Don’t Let “Step Therapy” Prevent You from Getting the Medication You Need

Charles B. Inlander | January 14, 2019

We count on health insurance to help pay for our prescription drugs. But the new “step therapy” program can create obstacles. How to fight back…

How to Get to Yes When Medicare Advantage Says No

How to Get to Yes When Medicare Advantage Says No

Charles B. Inlander | January 3, 2019

Don’t assume “no” is the final word. Here’s how you can fight back and win your claim.

Making Sense Out of Medical Studies
Wellness

Making Sense Out of Medical Studies

Charles B. Inlander | December 17, 2018

News reports on medical studies often leave people more confused than informed. Here’s how to get to the truth…

Is Your Doctor’s Office Good Enough for a Seal of Approval?

Is Your Doctor’s Office Good Enough for a Seal of Approval?

Charles B. Inlander | December 5, 2018

Should you be impressed when a health-care provider touts an “accreditation” and seal of approval? Here’s what all those “credentials” really mean.

Smart Ways to Use Urgent Care

Smart Ways to Use Urgent Care

Charles B. Inlander | November 12, 2018

Urgent care centers are springing up across the US. Here’s when you should—and should not—use one of these centers.

Does Your Insurance Company Know Too Much About You?

Does Your Insurance Company Know Too Much About You?

Charles B. Inlander | October 30, 2018

Health insurance companies can retain your medical records under certain circumstances. Here’s what they can do with your private health info.

Health Insurance Gets Even Trickier

Health Insurance Gets Even Trickier

Charles B. Inlander | October 16, 2018

If you don’t have the right health insurance, a serious illness can put you in the poor house. Here’s what to watch out for during open enrollment…

Has Your Doctor’s License Ever Been Revoked? Here’s How to Tell

Has Your Doctor’s License Ever Been Revoked? Here’s How to Tell

Charles B. Inlander | August 22, 2018

Just because your doctor has a license to practice in your state doesn't mean he/she hasn't had a problem in a different state. How to find out...

When You’re Out of Treatments, “Right to Try” Isn’t Your Only Hope

When You’re Out of Treatments, “Right to Try” Isn’t Your Only Hope

Charles B. Inlander | July 24, 2018

When a pwerson is terminally ill and has exhausted al lthe FDA-approved treatments, "Right to Try" laws aren't the only option...

Make Sure Your “Free Checkup” Really Is Free
Wellness

Make Sure Your “Free Checkup” Really Is Free

Charles B. Inlander | May 24, 2018

Medicare and the Affordable Care Act tout their "free" services. But you can end up paying (a lot!) unless you know how to get what you're entitled to.