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Disability
Insurance Claim Advice
Testimonials
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November 17, 2009
Dear Art;
It was the best holiday present that I can ask for this year! I got this letter from -----
yesterday. Thanks to your help and continued support. I couldn’t have done this without you!!!!!
I am so blessed that you are there for me, what would I have done without you?
These victories make my misery of daily pain less miserable, one less thing to weigh me down on my neck.
I can’t thank you enough!!!!!
Respectfully,
Name Withheld
MD
October 6, 2009
Arthur L. Fries
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Dear Art;
I want to thank you for doing what you do with excellence.
Art comes highly recommended by me. I first learned about him through the many articles he had written in chiropractic publications. I had been paying on a disability policy for over 20 years and I never expected to ever file a claim. In 2005, I developed an arthritic condition that made it too painful to continue to practice chiropractic. I contacted Art for advice. I knew that the insurance company would do everything they could to deny my claim. I also knew if every form and every question was not completed properly, it could cost me a positive outcome. To take away the anxiety and apprehension of whether I was completing and answering all the questions correctly, I knew I needed a knowledgeable consultant, who also understood my profession.
Art guided me though the entire process. I would first complete all the forms and Art would then review the answers. He would make suggestion on how to clearly communicate my answers based on each questions specifically. I had a successful outcome. I would suggest to everyone not to try to file for disability on your own. Art has the experience and knowledge I needed to help me thought the entire process step by step and reduce the anxiety that comes along with major life changes such as selling my practice and a disability.
Sincerely,
Name Withheld
D.C.
October 1, 2009
Dear Art;
I am writing this letter as a recommendation for Art Fries who has been instrumental in helping me through the Maze for disability insurance. I am a very detailed oriented individual who has to have the I’s dotted and T’s crossed for everything. I had discussions with Art over a period of a year as I was in denial of my disability and being a type AAA person was working in spite of consequences to my health as I felt the burden to deal with the Disability carriers to be too cumbersome.
The best thing I ever did was to work with Art’s services as he is so knowledgeable and confident in his ability to walk you through the Disability Maze. I have been fortunate to have my disability approved, but still require Art’s expertise on a periodic basis and he has always been right on and supportive.
I am usually a very pessimistic person, but I have to give Art high marks for his ability to make you feel comfortable and confident through the disability process. I cannot imagine having to go through such a process without someone’s expertise such as Art.
Regards,
Name Withheld
MBA
07/09/09
Dear Art,
I do not think I could ever put into words how grateful I am for your assistance in my disability insurance claim. I found your name after I had submitted my initial claim. I realized after reading some of the horror stories people have endured in submitting a claim that I probably had made several mistakes. I felt like I was in a nightmare that I would never wake up from. When I called, you immediately took charge and helped me with submitting information that helped the insurance company to understand my situation. I truly feel that it was with your guidance that my claim was successful.
I think that many professionals are unaware of the intricacies of submitting a disability claim, and it was very obvious that you are an expert at knowing the correct way to handle a claim. Insurance companies have to protect themselves and I realize that they have to be satisfied that you have a legitimate claim. You have a great deal of integrity and it is obvious that you are very highly respected in your field. I know that when you submitted additional information it was a tremendous help to relieve the anxiety that I had been going through.
You discussed your fee and it is probably the best investment I could have ever made. I truly appreciate your compassion and level thinking in a situation that could only be labeled as a quagmire.
I read every testimonial on your website and I can truly say that every single one of them, expressed the same sentiment that I am feeling. It is truly frustrating to spend your whole life doing a profession that you spent a great deal of time and money to attain and then be hit with a disability that prevents you from continuing. I know that when I took out a disability policy I thought it would be a waste. Well, life throws everyone curve balls and I was devastated that I had to end my career doing something I was good at and enjoyed.
I could go on, but I will sum this up by saying to anyone that ends up in a situation where you have to file disability, do yourself and your insurance company a huge favor by letting Art guide you through a difficult and extremely frustrating situation.
On a personal note- Art thank you a million times over for all you have done to help me in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Name Withheld
DDS
April 23, 2009
Arthur L. Fries, RHU Lic# 0450274
Disability Claims Consultant
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Dear Art;
I wanted to send you a letter of appreciation and thanks for all your expert help in consultation, advice, applying for and receiving approval of my disability insurance claims.
After practicing dentistry for more than thirty years and being diagnosed with degenerative disc disease I was pondering my options and saw your advertisement in my local dental journal. After calling, you responded immediately, sent me your packet the next day and advised me on my options. You reviewed my insurance policies, my medical reports and helped me understand those ambiguous and somewhat confusing insurance claim forms. With your help and guidance, the insurance company approved my claim just as you said they should.
I feel so very fortunate and blessed to have had you on my side. I will recommend you to any of my peers with similar needs, and again I thank you.
Warm Regards,
Name Withheld
D.D.S.
April 13, 2009
Dear Art,
I wanted to pass along the good news that my second disability policy has been approved. As you know I have two disability income policies. The first company approved me within 90 days after I filed the claim. The second company, as you know, has been a different story. I have been receiving checks under a “reservation of rights” clause for almost a year. I recently had a field investigator, from the second company, come to my home on an announced visit. All of your advice was “spot on.” I would not have been able to answer the questions correctly without your help. Even though the questioning was repetitive to what I’d already answered in my application, the investigator was sent to “beat me up” and try to disallow my claim. Within a week, after the field investigation, I received a letter stating that “the reservation of rights” clause had been removed and the claim was approved!
To any potential clients of Mr. Fries, I’d like to give him my unreserved highest recommendation. DO NOT wade through a disability claim without Art. He is honest, straightforward, and to the point. Nowadays, it is hard to trust anyone, but I can tell you that you can trust Mr. Fries. Most of you are at a crossroads in your life. Deciding to file for disability is a major decision. Believe me, I know and Art knows. Mr. Fries has an “old-school” way of doing business…his word is his bond.
Art, I cannot thank you enough for all of your help and counseling. I hope one day to thank you in person.
Respectfully,
Name Withheld
Dentist
4/09/09
Dear Mr. Fries,
Thank you so much for your help in obtaining approval of my disability claim. I initially had no idea of the details and documentation subtleties that had to be observed in order to expedite processing and eventual success in obtaining payment from my disability insurance company.
You were incredibly helpful in walking me through the virtual “minefield” of pitfalls that could make the difference between receiving the coverage that I was entitled to, versus being told that I had no coverage forthcoming. The items that we covered in such detail were ultimately the factor in the benefits that I will now be receiving. The representative just informed me that I will be receiving full benefits for life. This will be extremely helpful financially and to my own piece of mind.
You covered every conceivable part of the application itself, the proper way to fill out each item for accuracy, the way the disability insurance company thinks, how to discuss the case over the telephone with the representative, and why using the correct wordage can make or break the claim. You were also very informative in how to pre-print some items so as to minimize the work and time I had to expend for the seemingly endless information requests made by the insurance company.
In short, I firmly believe that your help in this process made the difference between success or failure in obtaining benefits, not only with my disability insurance, but with items such as Social Security Disability, Medicare eligibility, and various areas that you and I have discussed over the past number of months.
I would highly recommend your services to anyone anticipating having to make a claim for disability benefits. Your unique expertise is simply essential in this area.
Please feel free to use me as a reference. Thank you again for your assistance.
Sincerely
Name withheld
2/10/09
Dear Art:
I hope you like what I wrote in this long overdue testimonial. It’s from the bottom of my heart and if I were a better writer I am sure I have a lot more to say about all that you have done for me. You truly are the one factor that has been positive in my years of ordeal with the physical pain and the dealings with _____ which have really been a huge pain in the neck. Thank you for holding my hands and giving me the piece of mind. Because of you, I don’t dread the letters from _____ as much. I know you have answers for me which is a great feeling in this battle.
I am a 48 year old anesthesiologist who has had the fortune of finding Art Fries to help navigate the intricate dealings with the disability insurance company. I have worked hard all my life practicing and enjoying what I have trained to do for over ten years. We have disability insurance but when we are healthy, we do not think that we will ever need it. I was not prepared, I did not have the kind of disability coverage that was specialty specific which made me even more insecure.
When after my first cervical discectomy and fusion my condition became chronic and debilitating and couldn’t return to work, I not only had the physical stress of my painful situation but I had the mental stress of having to figure out how to answer to the lengthy, confusing and tricky forms that they required from me and my attending physicians. I knew I needed help from someone that had the right background and understanding to walk me through so that I can protect my rights. Fortunately, my husband found that person for me on his online search.
Art has been truly a God sent for me when I was tormenting over how to handle my disability claims. He was calming and he was definitely very knowledgeable and confident about how to approach them. Art was definitely right on about how to deal with the insurance company every time there was a new request such as FCE test and the independent medical examiner. I know I would have made mistakes that might have been detrimental in the out come of my case, especially early on, if I did not have Art as a consultant on my side. I have had a second neck surgery recently and Art is still helping me to maintain my confident in my fight with the disability company as my case continues to be ongoing. I have had Art on my side going on seven years and I feel very fortunate that Art is there for me and other professionals that deserve a fair treatment when stuck between rock and a hard place.
Sincerely
Name withheld
MD
2/09/09
Dear Art:
In January of 2008 I underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG). The cardiologist and surgeon felt this was my best option because of the difficult structure of the circumflex artery of my heart. My CABG surgery went well. A month after the surgery I had to return to the hospital for 2 days and another surgery to close the incision that had reopened. 4 months later 2 of my vein grafts failed. The cardiologist had to implant 3 stents in a very difficult procedure for him to perform. After this angioplasty I started having angina both under stress and at rest. This continues to this day. It took me several months to realize that I wasn’t my usual physical self and most likely never would be.
When I realized that I would have to file under my personal disability insurance policy, I was very surprised at the response from my insurance agent who sold me the policy 17 years before. She was very short, gave me the number for the claim department, said I wouldn’t be able to do any work at all and never once asked me how I was feeling. That was my first sign that this may not be pleasant experience filing a disability claim.
When I received the claim forms they were very complex and contained many open ended question that could be interpreted several different ways. This is when I sought legal advice. I went to an attorney that specialized in Social Security disability claims, a man in his 60’s that appeared to be well versed in Social Security claims. But when he looked over my policy, and claim forms, he acted like he had never seen anything like this before in his life. His best advice, talk to your insurance agent and see what she thinks. Now I was really concerned.
Luckily, I found Mr. Arthur Fries, a true expert in this field. He knows the business inside and out from all sides. He knew exactly what they were looking for with these claim forms and how to proceed precisely on every one. He worked diligently with me line for line, form after form. Even the physician forms can subject the Doctors to scrutiny from the insurance company, even when they think they have your best interest in mind.
I would highly recommend Mr. Fries to anyone even considering the possibility of filing a disability claim. You are much better served by having Mr. Fries involved from the start, before an insurance agent or attorney lock you into statements you cannot retract.
My claim went through with no questions or problems from the insurance company. The reason; Mr. Fries worked with me on every detail, no matter how small it seemed. They were completed exactly as the insurance company wanted and left nothing open to question.
Sincerely
Name withheld
President
10/30/08
Dear Art:
Once again you have proven that you are worth your weight in gold! Really, I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for me. Honestly, I never would have made it without you. I am so thankful for my disability payments and I owe it all to you.
Thanks again. I hope you have a wonderful trip across the pond. You deserve it.
Sincerely
Name withheld
D.D.S.
August 12, 2008
Dear Art:
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to write a letter to thank you for all of your help, thus far, with filing my disability claim. Below is my story for you and others.
I was a dentist who was able to practice the specialty that I loved for eighteen years. Due to a debilitating neurological disorder in my dominant extremity I had to stop practicing. As you know, filing for disability is never an easy decision. One can feel that they are all alone, but in reality they are not.
At first, I struggled with how and when I would file for disability. I thought about “pushing the envelope” to work. In this day of increased medical liability I didn’t want to risk my family’s future. After a lot of research, I met a friend who was a former client of Art Fries. This friend gave me a lot of advice and encouragement. His last piece of encouragement was, “Call Art.”
I was excited to have a beacon of hope. When one goes through the disability process there are a lot of questions and unknowns. I called Art and right away I was put at ease. Art is very calm, articulate, and a good listener. I found out Art had been through this personally and has walked with 600+ others like me through the disability process. It is very comforting to know that you are going to “battle” with a seasoned veteran.
Art walked me through all of the forms and made corrections as needed. My applications were filled out correctly – the first time. Art is very serious when it comes to fraud. The application that is submitted will have no hint of fraud. My forms were filled out so well that I didn’t get one question about my applications.
I now have three policies with approval and am waiting on full approval on another. I know that I will need Art’s service in the future and feel very secure that he will always be there. The fee he charges is very reasonable and he doesn’t “nickel and dime” his clients. Art garners my unequivocal recommendation.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Art for his past and future help. With 600+ clients, you must have many friends and I hope you count me as one of them. To those filing for disability, my encouragement is to keep your heard up and call Art!
All the best
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June 6, 2008
Dear Art –
I hope this letter finds you and finds you well. I am embarrassed by the length of time it has taken me to put pen-to-paper, but here we are.
Every month I give thanks for having met you. Your compassion, understanding, direction and support proved, and continue to be proven, invaluable. You were able to keep me “on track” in the disability process – and I do mean process. I very much appreciated your “hand-holding” me throughout the form filling out process. Your fee was so very fair for all you did and do. Again, I thank you for everything. I appreciated the stress relief you offered by your insights into the process. I also appreciate the fact that even seemingly after the “acute care” had been rendered, you are still available for “chronic” and “follow-up” care as needed.
Arthur, you are a jewel. You are part psychologist, attorney, and father. Your friendship is felt and appreciated.
Hoping this finds you well and happy.
All the best –
M.D.
P.S. By the way, the last 3 numbers of your 800 phone number say so much about you and what you do for the professionals – 911.
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May 15, 2008
Hi Art:
I am writing to you with thanks for all of your help with my disability insurance claims. When we first spoke I had no idea how rigorous and repeatedly frustrating the whole process would be. From the first, you began laying the foundation that I would rely upon for many months. In addition, your advice at each step proved invaluable.
The easiest company to deal with was […]. Aside from the usual exhaustive questionnaires, their process was very straightforward. Of course, your tips and advice about some of their tricky questions expedited the process with them and I never had to deal with repeating applications. All in all, the process with them was made simple by your advice, and aside from periodic requests for updates, the process with them has become rather uneventful.
I found […] to be a very challenging company to work with. Fortunately, you advised me thoroughly before I began the process with them. They have the most demanding format, requesting volumes of proof, pages and pages of questionnaires and endless documentation. Again, you walked me through the process, and in the end things worked out well. Early on, I remembered your advice about the people who work for them—they are just doing their jobs and the best way to deal with them is to always treat them with respect. That worked to our mutual benefit. To this day, they continue to be demanding, but working with them is manageable.
And finally, there was Social Security Disability. They have layers of bureaucracy covering a system totally different from all the others, from application, to documentation, to the structure of their forms, even the physical exam. Stated simply, the SSDI system is from a parallel universe. That said, they did come through with benefits for me. Struggle is a worthwhile if it turns out to be beneficial, and for me it worked because I had a fine coach.
At a time of great distress and uncertainty, when questions of economic survival were very real, you helped me through a very challenging process. Yes, I worked my tail off for months to get my benefits, but I really don’t think I could have gotten any of them without your help. Art, I can’t thank you enough.
Sincerely
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April 3, 2008
Dear Art,
I am writing this letter to thank you for your help and guidance through the process of navigating the disability insurance minefield. It is bad enough dealing with whatever led to your medical disability, and the inherent stress and strains on the individual and their family, let alone looking forward to dealing with an insurance company that holds your financial wellbeing in the palm of their hand.
Your frank, pointed review of my policy was invaluable in understanding what I could truly expect from the insurance company and helped prepare my family for the financial realties at hand. Your guidance in how to appropriately prepare my application also led to a rapid approval of my disability claim and the peace of mind that has ensued.
Without reservation, I would most strongly recommend anyone considering a disability insurance claim to seek Art’s counsel. Without his help, I am certain I would still be flailing along the application process in a sea of questions and uncertainty. I would have inadvertently filled the application out incorrectly and jeopardized my entire claim.
Thanks again for your help and friendship.
Sincerely,
M.D.
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March 20, 2008
RE: Art Fries
My specialty is General and Vascular surgery. I have been in private practice in the ______ area for the past 20 years. I recently became disabled on November 5, 2007.
I have had a long-standing relationship with Art Fries. He comes highly recommended and I have known of his excellent work over the years. He and I had spoken back and forth on many occasions over the years and I knew if I ever needed help in the disability arena he would be the man. Once I became disabled, I immediately contacted Art. Art delineated all the procedures I would have to go through and the steps I would have to perform in order to file my disability claim. Art has taken me step by step and helped make this unfamiliar and tedious process effortless. Art has truly become a great friend. He is extremely knowledgeable in this field and is a great human being. You are totally safe with him. He worries about you. He is always available to answer any questions you may have and always returns calls promptly. He really is a tremendous man. I can’t speak highly enough about Art Fries and how he helped me in a time of need.
If you have any questions regarding Art Fries, please feel free to call me directly on my cell phone. Art will give you that at his will. Again, I highly recommend retaining Art Fries if you ever find yourself facing a similar situation. This is an arena where doctors in general are very unfamiliar with the territory and by retaining his services it will make the process flow smooth, effortless and you will start receiving your disability benefits in an uninterrupted timely manner. This will allow you to focus on your recovery and will ease the financial burden that comes with being disabled.
Sincerely,
Name Withheld
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March 13, 2008
Dear Art,
Thank you for your help.
Dealing with those forms is not
as stressful with you behind me.
You don’t know how many times
I thank my sweet husband for
Finding you on line.
Sincerely,
Name Withheld,
Former Anesthesiologist (M.D.)
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March 4, 2008
I am a 58 year old Family Physician who sustained a quadriceps tendon tear on a wilderness canoe trip in 2005. Little did I know that this would lead me down the road I am currently on. After returning from Canada I had my tendon repaired, and subsequently had a post-operative complication (my knee buckled and I fell, catching myself on my kitchen counter and fulcruming on my rib/spine) which has been a devastating problem ever since.
I had been paying faithfully on my two disability policies for nearly 20 years, never thinking I would use them. After a year of seeing a physiatrist (in addition to 3 subsequent knee repairs and a staph infection), who did numerous procedures on my back, including facet injections and Radio Frequency Ablation of nerve levels, he recommended that I should consider myself disabled and apply for disability benefits.
Actually I initially contacted my long-term attorney and friend, who was a physician who had become disabled, and she recommended an attorney who handled these kinds of cases. Instead, I called the agent who sold me one of my disability policies and he checked with the local “guru” about who I should seek for assistance, as I wanted to avoid attorneys and the courts as much as possible. Art Fries was recommended.
I was dumbfounded when I called Art and found out his fees. Looking back over the last 1 ½ years it was the best decision I could have made. I have had a few legal encounters (divorce, arbitration for settlement of leaving my practice) and found them to be much more costly and difficult. Art has successfully helped me avoid the legal and court system and, I’m sure, has expedited the process. Within months I was approved by my disability carrier and began receiving payments.
Art has provided outstanding support and service. He is one of the most careful readers I have encountered, meticulously reviewing all of the documents I’ve sent to my disability carrier and giving advice that has kept me from making mistakes that probably would have led to a legal hassle. I have had to submit monthly paperwork (cover letters, Claimant’s SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENTS with ATTENDING PHYSICIAN STATEMENT) which Art has carefully reviewed beforehand and made corrections so that I would not be digging a hole for myself. It has been a long process and I am sure that, without Art’s help, it would have been much longer and adversarial.
Art has not only carefully reviewed my paperwork, but has “nailed” me throughout our paper and phone interactions. He knows how to read people. His advice has been extremely appropriate, considering all of the “soft” factors of this process (denial, optimism, insurance games, etc.). I continue to consult him when something new comes up. He is currently helping me weave my way through the Social Security disability application process, along with continued submissions to my private disability carrier.
I wouldn’t go through this process any other way. Art’s experience, careful review, expert advice, and personal caring have been essential and much more than I expected.
I highly recommend that anyone going through this process consult Art Fries.
Sincerely,
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February 25, 2008
Dear Mr. Fries:
Thank you very much for your indispensable help with my unique disability issue. In 2006 I made a claim for partial disability extending back to 1999. My view was that my partial disability was the cumulative affect of four separate medical problems that arose independently over a three or four year period. Even though my partial disability was supported by my medical records, it was clear that I needed help to properly answer the arcane questions on the insurance forms.
The consensus of other physicians and insurance professionals was that you were the person to contact. The end result was that your advice and recommendations enabled me to provide the insurance companies with the information they sought in the proper format. It took almost two years, punctuated by numerous telephone conversations and letters from me, to get the benefits that my policies were supposed to provide. There is no question that I could not have accomplished that without your help.
I certainly would recommend your services to anyone applying for disability benefits. One should not embark on a project like that with the expectation that an insurance company will start paying benefits as soon as the forms are filled out. My experience is that insurance companies frequently make it quite difficult, requesting information above and beyond the fist line of questions on the first set of forms. The subsequent requests, in essence, become a veritable minefield. Any misunderstanding of the questions, incomplete answers, or errors in answering are likely to delay processing of an application at best, and at worst, they might nullify and application. Again, I could not have accomplished what I did without your guidance. I am comfortable recommending your services without hesitation.
Sincerely,
Name Withheld,
M.D.
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October 12, 2007
Dear Art Fries,
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated all you have done to assist me in getting my disability claim approved. Your expert guidance made a huge difference. When I first contacted you, I didn’t know where else to turn. I had considered hiring an attorney but now am very thankful I found you instead. I really appreciate your attention to detail and your vast knowledge of the whole disability insurance industry.
After working as a dental hygienist for 33 years, I reached a point where I could not continue working. I assumed that since I was in pain and could not perform the duties of my job, I could just file my claim and collect my benefits from a company I had been paying premiums to for many years. Dealing with my insurance company has been a real eye-opener. I realize now that it is not that simple. They are not on my side! The process of filing a claim and the continuing onslaught of paperwork can be daunting. You scrutinized every form I needed to fill out and gave me lots of good advice. You explained all the details of my policy in a language I could understand and answered all my questions. You reviewed all correspondence I received from my insurance company as well as all correspondence I was about to send to my insurance company to insure that I was using the right language and terminology to best explain my situation. You educated me on how to communicate with my claims adjuster and doctors. You always returned my calls in a timely manner and took the time to explain every step I needed to take. And most importantly, you gave my peace of mind at times when I did not know how to proceed. Applying for disability benefits has been much more stressful than I anticipated. Besides dealing with my illness and continuing symptoms, it has been emotionally difficult not knowing if I would receive my benefits. Now that I am receiving benefits, I still worry that they will not continue. Knowing that you are there to assist me has really eased my stress.
Thanks to you, I am now receiving my full disability benefits. I realize I still have a few challenges ahead, such as an exam by the insurance company’s doctors, probable surveillance and continuing paperwork. I feel so much better about facing these challenges knowing that you will guide me through them. I could not have gotten where I am today without your help. I look forward to working with you in the future as my saga continues. You truly are an expert in the filed!
Thank you so much,
Sincerely
Name withheld
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August 22, 2007
Dear Art,
I want to write you a letter to thank you for your help with my filing of my disability claim.
I am a General Dentist who was practicing in California at the same location for over 27 years. I had built up my practice through the years and I had hoped to retire at around age 65. All of this changed after my accident. About a year ago I fell and damaged my hands. I went to many doctors and tried many things in order to continue working. My pain increased until I finally sold my practice in May. I thought that I could advise my disability carrier about my accident and that they would start paying me benefits. I soon learned that insurance carriers have made the payment of benefit an extremely complicated procedure.
I had read an article in a dental journal about you and how you had helped many providers obtain benefits from their insurance carriers. I called you and you responded immediately with a wealth of written papers and patiently answered my questions by phone. I knew that I was a competent Dentist and I could handle most any complicated dental procedure as well as dealing with insurance carriers at work. I soon learned that I was not able to deal with the insurance carriers for disability benefits alone, without your help. You have years of experience and guided me every step of the way. I received my first disability check just a few weeks after I had stopped working.
I still need your help for the future, since I am still getting requests for information for my insurance carrier. I am at ease now that I know you have helped me get my benefit payments each month and also that you are still available to help me for what ever requests that my insurance carrier may ask of me.
Art, I do not know of any other company or individual who provides the type of service that you do. I am so fortunate to have you on my side.
Thank you again for everything!
Sincerely
Name withheld
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May 25, 2007
Dear Art:
I don’t know if I can say enough about how you have guided me through the unbelievable maze that the disability claim procedure presents. Having to end your career as a practicing D.D.S. after 27 years due to arthritis was emotionally hard enough, but I never thought I would have to go through what I have for the past 10 months with these insurance companies. If it wasn’t for you taking my hand and leading me along each step of the way I know I would have been in real trouble. We still continue to fight for some of the benefits but you have an appropriate answer to every door these companies try to shut in our face. My wife and I both thank you for your outstanding knowledge in the filed of disability claims and also for being available to answer all our questions no matter what day of the week it is. I know that every other professional that seeks your help will find the same security I have in knowing that they are not alone in this process. I have definitely become stronger in my handling of these companies through your coaching. I hope you will let new clients who contact you in the future know my feelings. Thanks Art, you are the best.
Sincerely,
Name Withheld, D.D.S.
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April 9, 2007
Dear Art:
I am so thankful I read your ADA News article in the May, 2005 issue, about your services to the professions—helping disabled dentists, physicians, and attorneys receive their benefits. I became disabled from dentistry after 3-plus decades and you gave me and my family a life after dentistry!
Art, you were kind, compassionate, encouraging and totally wonderful in providing me the confidence and knowledge I needed to obtain disability benefits in a timely manner—all with a minimal amount of mental anguish—what an answer to prayer! You assisted and directed me in a professional manner by well-planned phone conferences on all the rigorous steps in submitting the numerous, complicated insurance inquisitions and claim forms. Within five months of having first talked with you, I was receiving total disability benefits from clinical dentistry!
Whoever reads this, remember, ask Art to assist you “early on” in your disability! He will inform you before-hand what your chances are for receiving disability from your insurance carrier. Art’s fees are very reasonable for the return on your investment! The retainer check I sent Art was the most profitable investment I will ever make! What a blessing Art has been to our family! Art, may God Bless you always! You will forever be special to us.
Signed,
Anonymous by Request
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April 7, 2007
Arthur L. Fries, RHU
225 Via San Remo (Lido Isl)
Newport Beach, CA 926611-5511
Dear Art:
I wanted to write this letter to you for sometime as a matter of appreciation. Over the past few months I have worked with you and have seen corners of your work and your personality which indicates unique qualities of a professional and caring individual.
Throughout more than 30 years of professional work in major universities, on both coasts, and working with unclassified teachers, professors, and surgeons, who had patients coming to see them from every corner of the world, and also lawyers; I have seen very rare individuals who stood a head and neck above all because of their work and professionalism, and care. You are just amongst these very few who if you count them, they would be less than the number of your fingers.
You carefully and painstakingly looked and read all the paper work that I had in detail, and diligently, and discussed them with me. You discussed consequences of all and various options and possibilities that could have taken place. And naturally I was grateful to you for your professional consultation and work.
I have no doubt that no one could do what you do with the detail that is naturally built in you, and perhaps that is the reason that your clients are very happy with your consultations and work. I wish you luck and health and happiness.
With my very best regards,
Name withheld, MD, FACS
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March 20, 2007
Regarding Arthur Fries
To Whom It May Concern:
Mr. Fries is a very interesting human being.
Professionally, he is knowledgeable, complete and careful.
Personally, he is warm, empathetic and always available when you need him.
Financially, he is more than “worth the cost” (an offhand suggestion resulted in additional payments of more than $20,000).
I really do not see how you can go wrong.
Hire him,
Sincerely,
Name withheld, MD
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February 12, 2007
Hello Art
I am writing to you to let you know how much I appreciated your assistance with my disability claims. I had no idea when I started the process how intricate and convoluted the paperwork would be. I had no idea what my policies REALLY said. You walked me through the whole process with ease and I got my disability checks right when they were due me. Each of the very few times I actually spoke with the case worker, she would tell me that I was about 12 steps ahead of them!! That was a great feeling! Actually, I could not have been in better hands than with you. You had the practical knowledge and experience that made me feel so at ease with the process and SO prepared for anything they could possible throw at me. Definitely, because of your expertise, I was able to sleep at night AND have a successful result to my claim. I also appreciated your input regarding my Social Security Disability claim.
Art, it was so comforting to know I could call you at any time with questions and know you would either answer them right away or get back to me quickly.
You’ve been a great asset and I will recommend you to any and all who need your type of care.
My appreciation to you….
Name withheld, DDS
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January 22, 2007
Hi Art…
I can’t say enough about your disability insurance consulting service. Your help with my insurance companies and four policies, not to forget Social Security, took a mind boggling process and made it as painless as it could be.
Your knowledge and understanding was always to the point, timely and effective as I had no redoes, repeats, reprocesses or problems with even one question. You were even there for me when I needed advice on finding an appeals lawyer for the Social Security disability process.
I hope you have raised your fees after me you deserve it!
Much thanks and appreciation….
Name withheld,
D.D.S.
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January 5, 2007
Dear Arthur:
What a pleasure it has been to work with you concerning my disability policies. From the moment we began to discuss what procedures were necessary to accurately reflect my disability, it was obvious that you were “The Man” I had been told about and needed.
I immediately felt assured of your knowledge of the disability insurance industry. You immediately made me feel you had done this successfully before and that you would and could do it again. Your thoroughness was reassuring. From the first moment, you took charge of the process and walked me through each stage with ease and grace. I never felt any anxiety or confusion as to what and how I needed to deal with the insurance companies.
It was reminiscent of how I would care for my medical patients when I was practicing. I was the Medical Doctor and had the knowledge to help them. You, in essence, was my Doctor for Disability Insurance.
You explained extremely thoroughly and clearly what I was to do, what I was to expect and that I could contact you anytime there was any question. You totally lived up to my expectations and I never was disappointed.
I am pleased to confirm that all three of my disability companies have agreed to full disability. All this was accomplished in the time frame you told me to expect and also without any hassles from the companies. I attribute this to your excellent advice concerning the proper filling out and filing of the insurance claims.
So again, I thank you totally. You are a “Mensch.”
Name withheld,
MD
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Art Fries, RHU
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA
92663-5511
December 27, 2006
Dear Art,
I can’t begin to thank you enough for your help in navigating the disability claims procedure.
I had asked a friend who is employed by a major insurance company as workmen’s compensation adjuster for advice on how to proceed with the initial filing of my claim. He recommended that I call a specific local attorney to represent me. He said that insurance companies take the claim more seriously when an attorney is involved, because the attorneys know what the “rules” are, and attorneys are easier for them to deal with than directly with the insured. I called the attorneys office. They were quite busy, and I felt that I was an imposition upon them. When I did speak with the attorney, he referred me to another attorney that he thought might know more than he did. When I spoke to the second attorney, he did not seem to have any specific knowledge of the disability claims procedure, but would be happy to set up a fee schedule, plus percentage of any benefits that were collected by me. He would then proceed (on an hourly basis) to try and educate himself about a procedure he was not familiar with. My friend had good intentions, but his recommendation of hiring an attorney did not seem appropriate. It made sense that an attorney should be involved if there is future litigation, but not for the claim application procedure.
I would have to say that I was quite apprehensive about calling you the first time. I found your information on the internet, but was reluctant to share my information with a person that I did not know at the time. Before calling you, I spent a lot of time doing Google searches for any good or bad information on you. Nothing bad showed up, so guardedly, I decided to at least call you.
Well, I was at ease with you from the first time that we spoke on the telephone. It was very obvious that you were an informed expert on the claims procedure. I also had concerns that my “internet connection” might be involved with some type of dishonest tactics to try and get the claim approved. I knew from our initial conversation that this would not be the case. I understood from the start that your abilities to help me involved providing the insurance company with complete information in an understandable format. I was later to learn that the “one size fits all” claim forms really need to be supplemented with information specific to my situation. If I did not have your help, I probably would have just filled out the claim form, as neatly as possible, and would have omitted a lot of pertinent supplement materials.
In the first phase of our relationship, you did a complete review of my policies, and provided me with a synopsis of each policy. I appreciate the time and energy it took to undertake the tedious task of going through each policy, line by line. No matter how long I spent doing this, I did not have a good understanding, as I am not familiar with all the terminology contained within the policies. With the abbreviated information you provided me with, I could better understand my benefits.
It is always good to have any written correspondence reviewed by another person. There is no way that the writer can objectively review his own correspondence for the content that will be read and understood by another person. Of course, the best thing is to have the materials review by another person who is also an expert with the topic at hand (Would you have your college thesis reviewed by an attorney before you present it to the committee? No, you would have it reviewed by an expert on the subject of the thesis). Your review helped to clarify, add where there was incompleteness and scrutinize some terms/language which may be misconstrued. How could a person possibly do this by themselves, or with a friend who might be an English teacher? Application for disability benefits is not the time to try one’s hand at “amateur hour.”
After the initial claims process, I had an approval, and a denial. We both knew that the basis of the denial was not valid. With your help, I was able to provide the insurance carrier with additional, irrefutable information. Within a week of presenting this information to the insurance carrier, they sent me a check. I am continuing to receive monthly benefits, as the claim has the status APPROVED! There is life after a denial, and it does not necessarily involve the tedious, lengthy and expensive process of litigation.
I am currently receiving all of the disability benefits that I was eligible for at the time of disability, and I am confident that my benefits will continue without future altercations with the insurance carrier—thanks to you.
Of note: I did pay a “Practice Transition” company about $8,000 for a practice evaluation, which was supposed to include an evaluation of my insurance policies by their “noted expert” in the insurance field. He gave me advice that made no sense whatsoever. I still have emails of our correspondence. Upon review, the advice given in the emails has been proved to be absolutely incorrect. A waste of $8,000, but the results would have been absolutely disastrous if I had followed their interpretation of my policies.
I appreciate your timely attentions to my needs. I have always felt that you have given me your complete attention. I also have an appreciation for the fairness of your billing procedure, and the detail that was provided with the billing for your services.
As an added bonus, I have always felt you cared for my welfare in receiving the disability benefits that were due me.
Best wishes to you for the future. I wish you a long, healthy and happy life. You have certainly helped me to look forward the same!!
With much gratitude,
Very sincerely yours,
Name withheld,
D.D.S.
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November 1, 2006
Dear Art,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for helping me find my way through the disability insurance maze.
After practicing dentistry for over 30 years, I just could not physically go on any longer. I knew that I had a valid disability claim supported by MRI’s and nerve conduction testings, but I wanted to make absolutely sure that I did everything correctly as far as dealing with my insurance carrier. That’s where you come in. Your help, understanding and expertise were indispensable. You not only helped me to better understand my policy and it’s benefits, but you helped me present my claim as a clear and organized package making sure that I did not “negatively prejudice” my claim in anyway. Because of this, the process was much smoother than I had expected.
I have always surrounded myself with the best professionals available. When it comes to knowing disability…..you’re the best!!!
Thanks again,
Sincerely
Name withheld,
D.D.S.
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September 15, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
You are probably reading this in a packet received from Art among a bunch of other letters that tell you how helpful he has been.
They are all true.
Like you, I was hesitant to pay $$$ to a stranger when I could probably fill out the forms myself, since I had nothing to hide and can read and write plain English.
Boy, was I wrong. The insurance companies do not seem to use the English language as I learned it. Art guided me every step of the way so I could present my case honestly, truthfully, and most importantly in a manner that was unmistakably clear to the insurer.
So clear in fact, they started paying my claim last year, and with Art’s guidance they agreed I was qualified for residual disability payments before the date I even contacted them!
Without Art, I wouldn’t have known how to ask….This alone paid for Art’s fee!
You may have seen on 60 minutes, or in the news not too long ago how the insurers stacked the deck against honest claims. An expert consultant like Art is not optional…he is critical for your success.
Art is a true professional and helps in a manner akin to a favorite uncle; telling you the truth, guiding you, and being there when you need him.
You will need him, and consider ourselves fortunate we found him!
Sincerely
Name withheld,
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July 13, 2006
Dear Art,
I’ve been meaning to get this short thank-you note off to you.
When I first contacted you, I was really very worked up over what could happen in my dealings with ------------- given their appearance in several news stories several years ago. Even though I was in severe shoulder, back, and leg pain, and my vision was failing, I was still very apprehensive about filing a disability claim!
It took a while before we actually started working together. It seemed strange to me, as a detail person, to not have a contract of some sort. But you stuck with me through that nonsense. You even gave me some significant ideas on what to do before we made that final decision to actually work together.
Boy was I wrong in thinking a contract was needed. It is very rare in this day and age to find “true” and “real” people that you can be comfortable with on a handshake (& over the phone!).
You are a special person.
You worked very hard and took a deep interest in me, your client & telephone friend, doing your best to be sure no mistakes were made in filing forms & dealing with the insurance company.
I was expecting the worst from the insurance company.
Then almost two-and-a-half months after the disability claim was filed, I received a letter from them saying they reviewed my medical conditions and under the provisions of my policies they consider me totally disabled.
I called you about the letter, and asked what do I have to do next.
You said that’s the letter we’ve been working for and waiting for!
You made the hard work go so smoothly that receiving the insurance company’s approval letter was anti-climatic. Thanks to your help, It could not have gone better.
If I had to do it over again, the only thing I would change is getting together with you even sooner!
Sincerely,
Name withheld, |
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July 3, 2006
Dear Art,
You are the light at the end of the tunnel!!
God Bless You!
Sincerely,
Name withheld, |
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June 29, 2006
Dear Art,
I wanted to hold off sending you a thank you note until I got my final determination from SSA but they move so slowly I decided to send you a note today. I just finished completing two miserable sets of forms for them and I thought of you.
I know your service does not include direct consulting with respect to SSA but the advice and technical papers you passed on to me over a year ago are still very helpful today. I refer to them and the notes I took in our telephone conversations every time I complete anything for them. You should also know that I am represented by a fine legal firm ------ in my quest to obtain a final determination from SSA for disability but your advice and guidance is still paramount to me.
I must have been one of your easiest cases ever. To refresh your memory, I was a Corporate Controller in Finance and Accounting for a large conglomerate of manufacturing companies around the world until I had my heart attack. You guided me step by step through the process with my company’s short-term and long-term disability administrator all the way until I was awarded long term disability. I especially appreciated the attention to detail you paid as you reviewed every form I submitted. I also enjoyed your guidance during our telephone conferences. I still refer to the notes I took. In my case, everything happened exactly as you foretold it would right down to the very last detail without a single glitch. It was as if I was playing a game of chess with the Long Term Disability Administrator and you were telling me what moves to make. Of course, with you on my side there was no contest.
Although my case may not have been a very difficult one and perhaps I could have done it myself, I would not hesitate to engage your services again. This process is deceptively difficult and dangerous. Without the help of a professional like you, a person can easily write or say the wrong word and that is all it takes to deny a claim. It is very similar to someone in trouble with the IRS. Being a financial person, I would never recommend anyone take on the IRS without professional representation. In the disability domain you are clearly the best professional expert in the United States. Because of your experience, your counsel, your one on one hands on guidance, my stress level and fears were significantly reduced.
The best recommendation I can give anyone is to say that if any glitch comes up in the future with regard to my Long Term Disability program through my former employer, I will simply pick up the telephone and retain your services again.
Please feel free to share these comments with anyone.
Warmest Regards,
Name withheld, |
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May 30, 2006
2005 was the most difficult year in my life. After practicing dentistry for almost 30 years I was forced to sell my practice due to a disability. Having a disability policy, I began to search the internet for help in the completion of the claim forms. What I found was one horror story after another from professionals having their claims denied. I knew at that point I could not do this alone.
It was at that time I read an article in one of my professional journals regarding Art Fries. My wife and I called him immediately and after talking with him we knew that we had found the right help.
Art made a difficult process easy and believe it or not enjoyable, because of his expertise and personality. He had the right answer for every question and as the saying goes, he has “been there done that” countless times. Art was available to us seven days a week whenever we needed him.
With his help we knew that when we filed our claim it was complete, accurate, worded correctly and so thorough that the next contact we had with the insurance company was the approval of our claim.
You have one chance to do it right and save yourself a lot of anguish and headaches. We can honestly say if you are filing a disability claim DO NOT file unless you have talked to Art Fries! He is certainly worth many times his fee!!
Name withheld |
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May 3, 2006
Dear Art,
I am very fortunate that my husband found you in internet back in 2003 when I was stressing with my disability claim. Without your guidance thus far, I would have been totally at a loss and the result of my case wouldn’t be what it is today. No matter what happens from this point on, I feel I can deal with what they are trying to do to me much better knowing that you are just a phone call away and that you understand my predicament and are supportive and sympathetic. It is REALLY difficult to deal with them especially when I am hurting as I do everyday. The pain is draining enough but the mental gymnastics that they are making me go through is sapping whatever ounce of energy I have to the basic minimal duties such as trying to be a good mom to my eight year old son.
I have a piece of mind knowing that you will continue to be there for me. I greatly appreciate your help thus far and look forward to your support as I am entering a tougher stage of this battle.
I can tell anyone faced with the similar situation that what you offer your clients is absolutely priceless!
Thank you again and again.
Sincerely yours,
M.D.
Name Withheld
Anesthesiologist |
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April 11, 2006
Dear Art,
It is my pleasure to write a letter of reference for Art Fries. I was a surgeon with a busy practice who developed several medical problems including a tremor. This left me unable to do surgery as well as unable to work in the office. I was very upset about having to declare myself disabled and file for insurance coverage but felt it was the best thing for my patients and myself. I was referred to Art by an attorney and to this day am very glad I hired him. From the very first conversation I felt comfortable talking with Art. He has an easy going demeanor which makes opening up to him natural. He is sensitive to the severe emotional reaction in a physician has when contemplating a move of this nature. In a way its like falling off of a cliff and stepping away from a security net as well as a way of life that you have become accustomed to for many years. It was one of the most difficult times in my life.
Art always acted in a professional and honest manner. He was straight forward in his dealings with me and never pulled any punches. I understood what I was up against with the insurance companies. They used every tactic in their possession to trick either me or my physicians into a vulnerable position. I followed Art’s direction to the letter. Every form, every conversation with agents, every response to their letters was first cleared through him. The bottom line was that I was able to obtain full payment for my case which included time before I officially left he office! Art did not even have to “surface” to be in direct contact with the insurance company. My record was so convincing and well put together that it became obvious to them that they had no chance of denying this claim. As Art put it he simply painted the most appropriate and convincing picture out of the facts I provided. This involved not only providing the information they requested (being appropriately brief as well as verbose when the occasion arose) but also submitting additional material not requested to support my claim. I never would have known to do these things without Art and frankly do not think I would have been successful on my own.
I am writing this letter many years after the initial claim and can attest to the fact that I continue to collect benefits without a hitch.
It has been an enormous psychological relief to know I always have Art on my side if I would ever need him in the future. I regularly call him to say hello, send annual gifts, and welcome him in my home at any time. One time I picked him and his wife up at the airport to drive them to an event they had in my community so they would not have to take a cab. I consider him a friend for life and have spoken to several potential clients on his behalf. I have no doubt that if I were to run into any difficulty in the future Art would stand behind me with the most effective strategies and advice.
If you are considering filing a claim for disability please consider that this may result in the payment of money to you for many years totaling many thousands if not millions of dollars. Art’s fees are truly a bargain when looked at in that light. You will be getting the advice of a unique professional that few if any in the country can equal. Don’t forget, unless you are quadriplegic and on a respirator in intensive care, your claim will be vigorously challenged by the insurance company and you need guidance.
Attorneys do not have the knowledge or the motivation to help like Art does and any advice I obtained from them at the time I was filling out my application was not quite as good as that obtained from Art.
Sincerely yours,
Name Withheld |
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April 10, 2006
Subject: Disability Insurance Claim
Dear Art,
It has been quite a while since we have talked. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all the knowledge, advice, support and kindness you demonstrated during the initial application period of my disability claim. I absolutely could not have made it through the maze of confusing papers and mental stress the insurance company tries to put you through in order to deny the claim. Many told me that even though my claim was legitimate I would never collect.
I have been collecting a monthly check now for over 2 years. I know without your step-by-step guidance this would never have happened. When I applied for my SSD I followed the same advice. Even with their IME Dr. that indicated I could work, they decided in my favor. I have now received SSD for a year including retroactive payment for the year before. However I have found that they never stop with their reviews of my disability claims. I am having an increased amount of anxiety over this and I know you’re the only one that can help me.
I have told everyone about you. I strongly recommend you to anyone who even thinks they may need help with their claim. Thanks again! You’ll never know how much you are appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Name Withheld |
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April 4, 2006
Dear Art,
After a greater than 2 year history with Arthur I have chosen to write this letter in hopes it may benefit others with similar concerns or circumstances. As an individual always in pursuit of efficiency you will find this letter brief and to the point.
With a 30 year career as both a Veterinarian and an Orthopedic Surgeon I have had both personal and professional interactions with disability claims. Watching patients deal unsuccessfully with their claims did not serve to alert me to pitfalls when I filed a claim of my own years ago for a now unrelated condition. Much to my disappointment the validity did not prevent the insurance carrier from legally forcing my claim to a premature end.
Reentering the work force years later I found it necessary to consider another claim. This time I researched my options prior to filing and fortunately came across Arthur Fries. Contact was made and after a thorough and detailed Q&A interview I retained his services. All financial details were given in advance and have proven to be worthy investment. My claim, again a valid one, submitted to two companies has continued to flow through channels without problems.
Arthur was always available in a timely and professional fashion to be certain that all claims work was filed in a pristine manner. As I have become more experienced our phone calls have decreased in time needed as his vast experience has educated me requiring fewer corrections before filing.
I have no reservation recommending his services to a professional seeking help with legitimate claims. It is upon yourself to follow his advice as it will guide you through the maze of insurance denials with minimal delays from the claims office.
Sincerely yours,
Name Withheld
MD, DVM |
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March 20, 2006
Dear Art,
We want to thank you for your professionalism and excellent advice that you have provided to our office on many occasions resulting in successful progress on our matters. We did not anticipate such benefit from your advice and certainly you exceeded our expectations. It is obvious that your experience and wisdom that you bring to the table exceeds those generally contained by a lawyer. We have no hesitation in recommending you to others.
We look forward to making you a member of our team on any and all such cases as they develop in the future
Sincerely yours,
Name Withheld
Trial Attorney
Large Law Firm |
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| March 16, 2006
Dear Art,
I cannot thank you enough for helping me get through
the nightmare that is called the disability process. Without
your guidance, I do not think I would have been as successful,
in such a short period of time.
There was a lot at stake for me. I was in the prime of
my medical career, without much savings, without a job,
and without my health. I was told initially by a disability
lawyer that it would take 3 years to win my claim. Worse
still, had I not known about the trickery and deceptive
tactics of the disability company, I might have only received
temporary, partial disability until age 65 (only 10 years
from now). Instead, I rightfully received total disability
to work in my own occupation for life. Your insight, experience,
and guidance made the crucial difference.
With your guidance I developed an “airtight”
case, one that gave the disability company pause to consider
whether they wanted to disallow my claim and fight me
in court. Your advice and step-by-step guidance in filling
out forms and documenting the personal and professional
cost of my disability stopped the disability company “dead
in its tracks”. It forced them to do what they hate
to do most: pay for claims that are legitimate and justified.
My story is worth paying attention to as an example of
how to successfully win a disability case. I was an
extremely successful cancer Surgeon, until a sudden
heart attack and heart damage caused me to be admitted
to the hospital 3 times, lose almost a third of my heart
muscle, and suffer from chronic heart symptoms.
At first, I tried to fill out the disability forms with
the help of a lawyer, who soon proved to be completely
unknowledgable about the disability process. In doing
my own research on the law related to heart attacks and
disability, I fortuitously found your name. Thank goodness
I did. I spoke to you and immediately recognized your
expertise. I let go my attorney, and turned to you for
complete advice and guidance. I am lucky I did so.
Together, we navigated the quicksand-laden landscape that
comprises the filing of a disability claim. No lay person,
not even a physician, can understand the depth to which
the disability system is designed to trick, fool, and
stop the legitimate payment of claims. The trickery begins
with the claim forms, and ends with multiple requests
for repeated medical records, letters, and still more
forms. All of this paperwork constitutes the disability
companies’ attempt to build its case against those
of us who are legitimately disabled, using our own words
and our labor. You showed me these tricks and highlighted
the disability company’s tactics, thereby preventing
rejection of my legitimate claim.
Here is one good example (there are many others). The
initial claim form has very tiny boxes set aside for those
claiming they are disabled to write their diagnoses. How
is anyone supposed to write their complete medical diagnoses
in such a tiny space? Obviously, one is tempted to shorten
the diagnoses to fit the tiny box. But doing this would
weaken the medical documentation supporting the claim
for disability. Of course, that is exactly what the disability
company wants; for the claimant to destroy his own claims
for disability.
This is a brilliant tactic on the part of the disability
company to have the patient destroy his own claim. While
a court might reverse what the disability company said,
the court wouldn’t reverse what the disabled person
said. By giving the claimant no room to write a complete
diagnoses, the disability company has begun the process
of having he disabled destroy their own claim, by preventing
complete disclosure of disability by the patient himself.
Yet in contrast, the claim form has 3 to 4 pages for the
claimant to describe what they can do. Now the company
is having the claimant document for them all the aspects
in which there is no disability, once again having the
claimant destroy his own case. In essence, the claim form
itself is the first method used to prevent the legitimate
payment of claims. It does so by preventing those filing
the claim from fully documenting their disability, while
at the same time it is prompting them to support how they
are not disabled.
You helped me get around this trap by attaching a lengthy,
type-written supplementary page describing my complete
medical diagnoses. We reviewed and answered each box stop-by-step.
And, you showed me how to limit my report of what I can
do to what is truthful, and answers the questions directly,
but briefly.
You reviewed my doctors’ letters, and told me how
to relate to them. You reviewed every piece of paper sent
to the disability company for accuracy, but more importantly,
to prevent me from inadvertently falling into one of the
disability traps. Since the entire process is designed
to prevent the payment of legitimate claims, you showed
me how to document everything related to my disability
to insure that payment would be made.
It worked. On the very last day of my elimination period,
I was told I would be getting fully disability for life.
Of course, as yet another trick on the part of the disability
industry, the payment would be paid 30 days later, giving
the company a free monthly hold on money legitimately
due me. While that is something I cannot do anything about,
I can say that simply achieving my goal of legitimately
being given total disability in my occupation made up
for all the frustration.
I owe this success to your diligence, professional manner,
depth of knowledge, and personal attention.
I only hope that those people embarking on this difficult
journey pay heed to my testimonial. They need your help
badly, and your services are worth every penny paid, and
many times more. In fact, money cannot measure how valuable
your service are, since they are in fact, irreplaceable,
and invaluable.
Thank you for all you have done for me.
Sincerely
Name withheld, |
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| March
3, 2006
Art Fries,
RHU
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA
92663-5511
Dear Art,
I wanted to
write to express my thanks for your expert analysis and
advice regarding my disability insurance coverage. Any
specialty area has its own arcane and incomprehensible
language and the insurance industry is certainly no exception.
You were able, thoroughly and comprehensibly, to make
sense of my contracts and their coverage.
Your analysis
proved invaluable during my peri-operative period when
I was in more pain than usual particularly as I was recovering
from major surgery and contemplating a transition to a
sedentary occupation. Not having to worry about contract
language and coverage issues was a tremendous relief not
to mention the ease of mind from being able to receive
the benefits that my policies provided.
The claims
process requires attention to detail and I truly appreciate
the insight I had gained from your review that helped
guide me through the numerous steps.
Sincerely
Name withheld,
MD (Orthopedic Surgeon)
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| March
2, 2006
To Whom It
May Concern,
I am writing
in regards to Art Fries. He has been working with me for
over two years now. If my insurance company was even partially
as capable as Art, my case would have been completed long
ago. But like most insurance companies, they drag their
feet and take forever to complete even the simplest of
tasks. Without Art’s articulate and precise assistance,
I probably would have been too frustrated to continue
pursuing what I rightfully deserve from them.
I cannot offer
enough praise for any potential client he may work with.
He is invaluably informative, direct, and knows his product
and how best to utilize it, better than anyone. I would
not hesitate to refer him to anyone in need of this type
of help.
I am getting
regular monthly payments for two years now, and as soon
as my company is ready to settle, Art will be the first
person I will call. I know he will direct me in every
aspect of my next move like a master chess player at his
best game.
If you are
injured and need help with your company, Art is the best.
There is no better or wiser way to say the true facts:
he is the best, and that is fact, not emotional banter.
Sincerely
Name withheld,
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| February
2, 2006
Dear Art,
I would like
to thank you for your exhaustive and essential consultation
and availability during my claim for disability with my
insurance company. I must admit that I became quite discouraged
during the process which included seemingly endless scrutinizing
of doctors reports and many forms of testing designed,
in part no doubt, to force me to abandon my claim. I came
quite close to doing so, but with the help of your advice
to exercise the utmost patience and cooperation as well
as step by step coaching through some confusing and complex
forms and procedures I was finally awarded full disability
payments….both accrued and going forward. This came
as a significant relief to both myself and my family.
Sincerely
Name withheld,
Former Bond Trader
|
|
| November
11, 2005
Dear Art,
Thank you very
much for the time you took on our phone call a couple
weeks ago. I felt very comfortable talking to you about
the topic of disability and how it will pertain to me.
You have such a vast knowledge of the process that I feel
I will be in good hands when I take that journey. I appreciate
all the literature you sent me. I went through all of
it and was reassured that others have made it through
this and so will I. Your articles are very enlightening.
Since I have talked to you, I’ve had a nice long
conversation with ___________. He is going to send his
packet of things I need to get together. I have also made
an appointment with my doctor to get a referral to an
arthritis specialist. You inspired me into action and
I realize I can’t just keep going on the way I am.
Once I am ready to proceed I will mail you a check. Again,
I appreciate you taking your valuable time to run me though
the ins and outs of the disability process. I know between
you and ____ I will have a caring and professional team
behind me during this transition. My best to you and your
family.
Sincerely
Name withheld,
D.D.S.
|
|
September
1, 2005
Art Fries
Dear Art:
I am writing
to express my sincere thanks for a job well done. I have
finally received confirmation from my disability insurance
carrier that they accepted liability for my claim.
With the confirmation
comes a tremendous feeling of relief. The dealings with
the insurance company and its representatives (hours and
hours of time, phone call after phone call, letter after
letter, meetings, examinations, etc. etc.) have been difficult
and challenging. You have been there each step of the
way. For that I thank you. The maze of paperwork that
has been given to me by the disability insurance company
has been overwhelming. You have been of great assistance
in navigating this maze. I feel for the person who has
to battle the tactics of the disability insurance industry
on their own.
As I go through
this process of microscopically being examined in just
about every way I can conceive of I know I have a true
confidante. Your services have been timely, thorough,
professional and supportive. I cannot help but feel the
outcome might have been different if I had not consulted
you. I say this thinking quite strongly my claim fits
my policy. However, I am not sure I would not have been
rolled over by the insurance company in the process that
has gone on over the last several years. As noted your
assistance as a consultant has been remarkably professional
and well defined. Even more impressive is the kindly manner
that you have gone about giving your professional advice.
I feel strongly
that you have a defined purpose in your life. You can
rest assured that your professional assistance towards
other professionals as they go through their disability
claim process is a service to your clients, their families
and the communities they live in. I say this because your
handling of my situation has been so impressive. I can
echo the feelings I have heard of other professionals
who are hit with a disease process that does not allow
them to continue on in their profession. Because my disability
has prevented me from making a living in my regular profession
the last several years have been a time of my life filled
with guilt, fear, frustration, anxiety, etc. Your consultation
and support has tempered these feelings during difficult
times.
Looking at
the severity of my illness with all its manifestations
and the fact that it is still present and always will
be, I feel I am much better off now than before I came
to you as a client. You are a major reason my family and
I have some degree of peace of mind from a financial perspective.
Once again,
my family and I thank you for what you do. I would absolutely
and emphatically recommend you and your service to any
individual who has a disability strike and then find them-selves
dealing with disability insurance corporate America. Job
well done Art Fries!
Sincerely with
warm regards,
Name withheld
MD
|
|
| June
16, 2005
Dear Art,
You are truly
a gem! I am fortunate to have your expertise on my side
in the twisted game of the Disability Insurance denial
process. Hopefully, you can understand how much I appreciate
your advice. I only wish I had discovered you at the onset
of my disability.
Being on disability
claim for over a year, I had managed the stressful claims
process myself while coping with my medical condition.
I believe that the coverage I purchased was really there
for me, and that ______________ was simply employed by
______ to simply help me with my claims. I naively believed
that with a justifiable disability they would play a fair
game and comply to the rules of my policies. I have you
to thank for helping me understand that they really play
unfairly by their rules with an entire army of consultants,
attorneys, accountants, and medical advisors! It is really
shocking to learn what transpires behind the scenes of
their network.
Their initial
attempted paperwork avalanche and endless unjustified
attempts to obtain additional financial documentation
from my husband and partner in dental practice were just
the beginning. After receiving a special delivery overnight
letter from ____ regarding an “Independent”
Medical Exam, I realized that my disability benefits were
seriously threatened in a game I did not understand. I
needed professional help quickly. I had been living my
childhood dream in private practice as a dentist. Suddenly
it was gone. Physically, I could not return to work without
doing more damage to my body or accidentally harming a
patient. Emotionally, I was at my lowest point trying
to cope with this loss of a great love in my life. I was
quite honestly broken and beaten down. Now, ______ was
kicking me.
I discussed
my concerns with local attorneys who did little to reassure
with their experience and abilities with _____ in Particular.
After internet surfing I came across your web site. It
really was not until I spoke to you on the phone across
the country that my fears and concerns were settled for
the first time. You are a commendable expert and an invaluable
asset to anyone dealing with a disability claim. I appreciate
the fact that we worked together and you empowered me
with your advice. Everything happened like you said it
would, form the video surveillance (I affectionately refer
to as my personal paparazzi), to the “independent”
medical exam. Your organized and thorough review of my
policy prepared me. Your guidance gave me a calm confidence.
With characteristic thoughtfulness, you promptly returned
my calls, even late at night to ease my worries. Your
tasteful humor seasoned me for life after disability.
Working with you was the best decision I ever made and
I appreciate your continued kind support in the future!
Fondly,
Name withheld, DDS
|
|
| May
9, 2005
Dear Art,
One might think I would be the last person to retain your
service. Having spent almost twenty years in the life
and disability insurance business, the last eight as managing
partner of one of the largest agencies in my state, one
might think I could do this by myself.
Art, after
successfully negotiating my claim and receiving my first
check, I could not imagine running this “gauntlet”
without your help.
If your family’s
future depends on the approval of your disability claim,
don’t even think about doing it without Art on your
side.
Thank you so
much,
Name withheld, CHFC, FCP
|
|
May
5, 2005
Re: Thanks and Testimonial
Dear Art,
I’d like
to thank you for all the help you’ve given me over
the past two years with my disability claim. I know your
clients often offer their testimonial for others to read.
Here’s mine.
When we first
met I was in a very bad state of mind and overwhelmed
with the loss of my ability to practice medicine. If you
remember, I suffered a concussion skiing, and insidiously
developed cognitive problems. These symptoms led directly
to a breakdown and my voluntarily topping a lucrative
medical practice. My physicians placed me on total disability,
and I was left in a huge limbo about my family’s
financial future as well. I knew three things: I had disability
coverage, I had no ability to deal with it, and I had
heard rumors of insurance companies using enormous legal
pressure to take advantage and get out of paying.
I was refereed
to you by two independent sources, one a client with a
successful outcome, the other an attorney friend of mine.
On our first meeting, despite being overwhelmed by this
insurance process (as well as life in general) I remembered
two things you said. First, you told me most of your job
is “hand holding”. Secondly, you said I’d
learn enough eventually to negotiate the process myself.
On the basis of those statements I wrote you a multi-thousand
dollar retainer check. Today I will tell anyone it was
true, and it was worth it.
There were
numerous examples of the need for hand-holding. On several
occasions I was intimidated by lengthy letters from my
insurance carrier, requesting voluminous documentation.
You provided a context in every case, with just the right
amount of help to get through it. I became armed with
the knowledge of how this all works, what are the carrier’s
motivations and rights, and what my reasonable duties
are. That’s how I got through the process. You helped
by proof reading every document before I sent it to the
carrier.
I would like
to point out to others that Art Fries does NOT tell a
client what to say in order to scam a company. Art screens
his clients for legitimacy of their claim. I was able
to come to grips with the truth, and tell it to the carrier
with Art’s help. Your objective look at my case
pointed out things I otherwise would not have considered.
Recently you
suggested I apply for Social Security Disability. I applied
on my own using the same processes you taught me. Surprisingly,
I got the approval in what must have been record time
without the necessity of an appeal. Much of the information
was already documented and sent to my private insurance
carrier. I also feel confident about corresponding with
my carrier in ongoing issues. If I have a question, I
know to call you. You have returned all of my calls promptly,
and you offer good advice always,
Name withheld
|
|
| April
1, 2005
Arthur L. Fries
RHU
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Dear Art,
On May 7 of
last year, after eleven weeks of agonizing medical test,
anxiety, and tremendous reluctance to stop working, I
called your office and requested your assistance in filing
for individual disability income from my insurance carrier.
I had found your name and credentials on the web several
weeks earlier but could not bring myself to call you as
it symbolized my need to give up so much that filled my
life with joy and very good income. The previous afternoon,
I had seen my psychologist and was emotionally drained
by the effort to keep going, despite my many symptoms
and fatigue. At the end of that session, my direction
was clear and the next day, I called you.
Beginning with
our very first conversation, and continuing through today,
almost a year later, I have found you to be consistently
thoughtful, supportive and very expert with this business
of securing the disability payments which I believed I
deserved to receive. Your obvious knowledge of these matters,
coupled with your personal commitment to support me throughout
the process made it possible for me to contend with the
incredible paperwork and detail which was required to
submit our successful claim. One of the issues bothering
me so much when we first began to work together was whether
I truly was “ill enough” to apply. You quickly
explained how the definitions of disability in my policies
applied to my situation and it became obvious to me that
this was indeed the right thing to do.
Over the ensuing
months, as I received materials from the company and needed
assistance, you were unfailingly available and right on
target – even when you were preparing to go on vacation
or on professional trips. You always took the time to
respond to my phone calls and to provide excellent direction
and advice.
Today, as I
continue to search for a diagnosis for my neurological
problems, I’m committed to staying as well as I
can, spending my energy on working out to conserve my
heart health, resting and keeping fatigue at bay. I would
not be able to do all of this with peace of mind had you
and I not succeeded in obtaining my disability income
payments.
I’ll
always be grateful for your tremendous assistance and
support and thank you in the most heartfelt way possible.
Warmest Regards,
Name Withheld
|
|
| March
26, 2005
Arthur L. Fries
RHU
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Dear Art,
I wanted to
take a moment to thank you for your services regarding
my disability claims. Your organized approach and expertise
made the difference. Your recommendations and instructions
regarding my doctors’ files and support letters
for filing the claim created an unambiguous and thorough
explanation and progress of my condition that I don’t
feel would have occurred without your intervention. Although
I still have a couple of issues left to battle with the
insurance carrier, I am confident your advice will produce
the best possible result.
Again, thank
you for your guidance and knowledge of the issues.
Sincerely,
Name Withheld
DDS
|
|
March
24, 2005
Arthur
L. Fries
Disability Insurance Claims for Attorneys and Physicians
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Dear
Art,
I
wanted to take a moment and thank you for your help and
support during the process of acquiring my disability
benefits. I feel your guidance through what appeared at
first to be some extremely daunting obstacles, was reassuring
and ultimately very beneficial. I feel as though the investment
was well worth the benefit of having a mentor to help
me make good decisions and communicate most effectively
my current situation. You were always very attentive,
and returned my calls almost immediately. I will have
no problem in referring you to anyone else facing the
gauntlet that large insurance companies place before us.
In fact, I already have referred an associate to you.
Thank
you again for all of your assistance.
Warm
regards,
Name Withheld
DDS |
|
| March
3, 2005
Arthur L.
Fries
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Dear Art:
For twenty-five
years I brokered professional practices including medical,
dental, chiropractic, accounting and health care companies.
I was responsible for sales in the hundreds of thousands
to millions of dollars, working exclusively with doctors,
attorneys, accountants and bankers. My role as a practice
broker placed me in a unique position of trust. I understand
and appreciate what it means to work with professionals
during critical times in their lives, as many of my clients
were forced to retire and sell their practices due to
health issues and disability.
In 1997, I
suffered an acute attack which incapacitated me for three
months. I thought I had recovered and returned to work.
During the next five years, I suffered multiple disabling
symptoms related to my illness; however, I never received
a definitive medical diagnosis. Being a “Type A”
personality, I tried to work through everything. After
five years of suffering and trying to maintain my business,
I was at the end of rope. Finally, a diagnosis was made
by one of the top neurologist at ------ Medical Center.
I had a degenerative nerve disease and was forced to retire.
The stress
of this situation was enormous and compounded everything.
A friend referred me to you. Thank God!
I appreciate
what it means to have an experienced consultant who knows
the ropes and can assist one to navigate through the difficult
path as it relates to receiving disability benefits. Your
knowledge and assistance was invaluable. I always treated
my clients as personal friends and addressed their needs
as a fiduciary. You treated me the same way. “A
friend in need is a friend in deed.” Art, you have
become a close friend.
My situation
was unique, as the onset of my illness was five years
prior to learning what I was suffering from. For that
period of time, I continued to work part-time, until I
couldn’t continue to perform the duties of my profession
at all. Five years! My income shrunk from half a million
per annum to $60,000.
I was successful
in receiving my monthly disability benefit, six years
of premiums being refunded along with receiving five years
of residual disability. The outcome with my disability
carrier could not have been any better. Throughout the
process you were always there to answer my questions and
guide me through the maze.
Life is so
different now. Receiving my disability benefits reduces
a tremendous amount of stress. The result being, I can
better deal with my health problems and live my life.
For anyone
reading this letter of Recommendation, please know that
I worked with professionals like yourself for twenty-five
years. I have a keen understanding of he professional
ego, your high standards and the “Type A”
personality. When your very livelihood and health is threatened,
I highly recommend and encourage you to retain my friend,
Art Fries,
Sincerely,
Name Withheld.
|
|
| February
11, 2005
Dear Art,
It continues
to be difficult to describe the feelings and emotions
that I have felt since hearing favorably on my claim with
my disability carrier. I know that in my heart of hearts,
I could not have made it through this ordeal intact and
whole were it not for the efforts on your part. I fell
so fortunate to have found your article in a medical magazine
in which you discussed the concept of disability and its
implications with insurance companies. I remember that
day as if it was yesterday. That was three and a half
years ago. I called you and you immediately called me
back. My impression of you that day is the same that I
have today. The kindness, patience, compassion and general
sense of ease that you bestowed upon me that day are qualities
about you that live with me daily nearly four years later.
Let me add two more qualities that began that day-friendship
and trust and they have only grown in my eyes and heart.
For nearly
seventeen years I was a successful practicing cardiothoracic
surgeon until January 2005 when I retired. It was the
most difficult professional decision that I have ever
made. Were it not for you I am not sure that I would have
had the courage and insight to do the correct thing and
stop operating. I was originally diagnosed with Benign
Essential Tremor in May 2001 and had been having difficulty
for at least the prior two years before the diagnosis
was finally established. I was on multiple medication
regimens and multiple consultants without improvement,
only regression. I was terrified and tried to fight even
harder to compensate for my declining skills. Even though
my results were satisfactory and my morbidity and mortality
unchanged, I was practicing below my ethical standards
and I knew it. So did you, Art, you knew it too and you
guided me so gently throughout the ordeal. You knew the
level of fear and terror that I faced and the level of
denial that I was demonstrating, even if I didn’t
understand it. As you said on more than one occasion you
were also my psychologist. Finally, one day the light
in my head went on and for the first time I completely
understood my situation. As you later told me, I was your
longest holdout. But when I finally had the courage to
begin my transition it was like a cloud had been lifted
and I was finally able to breathe again.
Your thoroughness
in guiding me through the disability process was beyond
my expectations. I could never have done it without your
professional expertise and your patience. I cannot imagine
for one minute how someone could go through this process
without you. It was so mentally draining and so difficult
to stay focused while handling the forms, paperwork and
interfacing with the disability carrier, but you were
always there for me, any time of day. There are so many
ways that I might have compromised my claim without even
knowing it had it not been for your complete and meticulous
attention to detail.
Doing battle
with the disability carriers was the equivalent of going
to war for me. Any misstep could lead to disaster. I cannot
imagine anyone doing this alone. I could only recommend
one person and that is you, Art Fries. I do not think
that I can ever find the words to adequately express the
emotions, gratitude, and thanks for all of your efforts.
Perhaps the MasterCard commercial best summarizes having
you, Art Fries, on my side and in my corner-PRICELESS!
There is no monetary value that you can assign to your
knowledge, expertise, kindness, patience and psychological
counsel. And then there is the friendship and that is
for life.
My warmest
and fondest Regards!
Name withheld,
M.D.
|
|
| February
9, 2004
Dear Art,
There are and
can never be the words to express my deepest thoughts.
____ approved my claim and I’ve been in a suspended
state since.
I wanted to
crystallize my thoughts before writing. How you helped
me and what you did for me personally will never be forgotten.
Your kindness and thoughtfulness was evident the very
first time we spoke. I am awed by the patience that you
demonstrated throughout the long and lengthy process that
was my journey. After all, I was your longest holdout!
How you guided
me as professional, psychologist and friend is forever
seared in my mind and heart. I don’t know how I
would have ended up without your enormous involvement
and expertise.
I guess you
are truly the embodiment of the word mensch, giving of
yourself selflessly to help others. I am a fortunate recipient,
of your mitzvah.
From the deepest of my heart, I thank you and thank you
and thank you.
Most
Sincerely,
Most Fondly,
Name Withheld |
|
| December
21, 2004
Dear Art Fries,
I write this
for you to share with whom you want to.
I have had over 20 years of experience as a surgeon assistant,
assisting in major surgery. I found myself with a diagnosis
of cancer and I was told I would need major surgery and
extended period of chemotherapy. I contacted my Disability
insurance company and soon found out the questions they
ask and the conditions they were asking me to comply with
was very confusing and complicated and I soon felt they
did not have my best interest at heart. I felt questions
they were asking could have different meanings and would
not necessarily best represent my situation.
I felt there
must be someone or some articles on the subject of how
to best deal with your disability insurance company. I
needed to understand all the insurance language to best
represent my claim. I soon learned from reading accounts
of independent investigation by major TV Networks such
as CBS Sixty Minutes that the Disability Insurance Industry
had a history of not honoring disability claims or making
it very difficult to collect on a claim. This made me
even more apprehensive.
I began to
search the internet to see if I could find someone with
experience in dealing with this problem. I discovered
Art Fries’ website and read a number of his articles
on the subject and testimonials from satisfied clients
like myself and decided to give him a call. Art was very
knowledgeable and has many years of experience working
in the disability insurance field and has more importantly
many high up contacts in the disability insurance companies
that he uses to best represent a claim. I sent him a fee
and after hours of review of the claim he helped fill
out the Claim forms in such a way to best represent my
claim. He helped me understand the process and what to
expect from the insurance company and how best to deal
with them.
Well to make
a long story short, my claim was accepted in full and
Art still helps me from time to time with the Paper work
and advice on how best to deal with my claims process.
Sincerely,
A very satisfied Client
Name Withheld
|
|
| December
20, 2004
Mr. Arthur
L. Fries
225 Via San Remo (Lido Isle)
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Dear Art,
I have now
received the first checks from both ------ Life and ------Insurance
Companies. When I first started this process back in July,
I told you I felt like I was jumping off the high-diving
board without knowing if there was water in the pool.
It’s a great relief to know that the pool was filled
after all.
I wanted to
express my appreciation for your help in guiding me through
the process of dealing with the two insurance companies
as well as the State disability and Social Security (I
have my interview with them next week). Your being there
to help was a great comfort. I will be contacting you
to discuss further forms which I will need to submit to
keep my claim active, but I know that I will not have
any trouble.
Again, thanks
for all your help.
Very truly
yours,
Name Withheld
|
|
| November
27, 2004
Mr. Arthur
L. Fries
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
To Whom It
May Concern:
As a board
certified obstetrician/gynecologist with low back pain
caused by two herniated discs, I had the good fortune
of hiring Art Fries immediately prior to my Independent
Medical Exam (IME). My only regret is not asking for his
expertise at the onset of my disability.
My disability
actually started four months earlier, than my insurance
company stated, when I stopped delivering babies and doing
surgery due to debilitating back pain. Art is now helping
me with the necessary paperwork to change my claim dates.
Art helped me compose a SEQUENCE OF EVENTS LEADING TO
MY DISABILITY letter and a PRE and POST DISABILITY ACTIVITIES
letter that were invaluable at my IME. I was actually
thanked by their IME orthopedic spinal surgeon for the
valuable information in the above letters. Art extensively
prepared me for their IME.
Art Fries expertise,
professionalism and knowledge of the disability insurance
business are worth much more than his fee. I strongly
recommend his consultation before filing a disability
insurance claim.
Respectfully,
Name Withheld,
DO, FACOG
|
|
| October
26, 2004
Dear
Art,
Without
a doubt, the best use to which I’ve ever put my
home computer was the Google search that gave me your
name. When I first developed symptoms in early 2003 that
would make me have to stop performing endoscopic procedures
several months later, I was unsure of the diagnosis. But
I was sure that I would end up having to make use of my
disability insurance policies. A friend in my field of
medicine directed me to the attorney who had handled his
lawsuit against his disability carrier once the company
had ceased paying his benefits. When the attorney learned
that I had not yet made claims to the carriers, he immediately
gave me your name as the best person in the U.S. to guide
me. A year later, I know that you have given me expert
advice every step of the way.
Without
your guidance, there is no way that I would have spent
the hours preparing the reports detailing my pre-disability
work schedule that were the first in a series of documents
that have supported my claim. As a result of the guidance
that you taught me to give my physician, my medical progress
reports have accurately described my limitations in ways
which they otherwise would not have.
As
I have gone through a difficult rehabilitation after surgery,
I realized that my physical therapists’ assessments
and my physicians’ notes did not itemize my problems
in a way that showed why I could no longer perform most
of the duties of my profession. So I created a table of
ten key medical problems, their causes, progress made
back toward normal, and how these problems are limiting
my ability to function. I update this every month and
distribute copies to my therapists and physicians. Without
this there would be inadequate documentation of the problems
that I will continue to face. Thanks for your inspiration.
The
process is not over. I have more work to do to help myself
recover as well as I can, and more work to do to support
my claim for disability benefits. I’m glad that
you will be there for me to call.
Yours
truly,
M.D. |
|
| October
12, 2004
Dear
Art,
This
brief note is to thank you for your invaluable assistance
and professionalism in helping me through the very lengthy
and complex process of properly filing my disability claim
with Unum Provident. Your assistance was invaluable and
frankly, anybody attempting to obtain disability reimbursement
without the assistance of an expert like yourself, is
in for a long frustrating uphill grind.
Again,
I can’t thank you enough for your attention to detail
and tremendous amount of time you spent with me assisting
me with this process. Frankly, retaining your services
was the best investment I have ever made.
With
best personal regards,
Respectfully,
M.D., F.A.C.S. |
|
| October
11, 2004
My
health had declined seriously, and for several months
I kept hoping that I would be feeling better and be able
to get back to running my business, but it just wasn’t
happening. I reviewed my disability policies and just
knew that it would be a very daunting task to file my
claims successfully. I found your website and decided
to call you. That one phone call changed my life! Your
tremendous knowledge of the whole disability field, including
the claims process, your professional and ethical attention
and approach, your detailed direction and prompt feedback
regarding various documents have been invaluable. Now
that my claim has been accepted, I can fully focus on
getting better without the strain of financial worries.
Consultant/
Trainer
To Human Resource Depts. Of Industry |
|
| September
15, 2004
Arthur
L. Fries
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, California 92663-5511
Dear
Art,
I
want to thank you for the invaluable assistance you’ve
given me over the past two years. I’ve worked in
court and have sat through many disability insurance trials
so I was aware of what an insurance company can and will
do to avoid paying a claim. I was afraid and at loss as
to how to proceed with my claim when I became disabled.
With your expert guidance, both my disability claims were
approved on the first application, as well as Social Security
Disability and my disability retirement. It’s a
nightmare of stress and paperwork that I could not have
managed without your help. Your professionalism and courtesy
make the whole process much easier to handle. It’s
also been a pleasure getting to know you, and I highly
recommend your services to anyone filing a disability
claim. It’s money well spent.
Sincerely,
Official
Court Reporter |
|
| 5/16/2004
Dear
Colleague,
Having
enough disability insurance that is occupation specific
is important. It is also important to pay the premiums
personally. But the most important aspect of disability
insurance is to make sure that it pays when you have a
claim. That is why I feel that Art Fries is as important
to me as anything that I have done regarding my disability.
I
first read about Mr. Fries in Dental Economics several
years before I was faced to retire from my orthodontic
practice due to a type of arthritis called ankylosing
spondylitis. I placed him on retainer when I started the
process of selling my practice and when I worked for the
last time in October, he and I started the process or
applying for my benefits for three policies under two
separate companies.
Art
is one of the most professional people with whom I have
even worked. He helped me fill out all the forms until
they were perfect. He really understands how the insurance
companies think and knows how to word every answer so
that they won’t come back and ask to redo anything.
He always returned my calls promptly, if he wasn’t
there when I called and he was very patient when I didn’t
understand something.
Once
I had been approved for the disability, he was very good
about helping me with continuation of benefit forms. I
cannot recommend Art too strongly for anyone who finds
themselves in my situation. He made a very tough time
one that was as stress free as possible. I feel very indebted
to him.
A very loyal client
ORTHODONTIST |
|
| 4/2/2004
My
name is ________ and for over 20 years I have practiced
dentistry . In November of 2003, I saw
an orthopedist for pain and numbness in my left arm and
shoulder. Upon reviewing my cervical x-rays the orthopedist
words to me were “ You need to retire from dentistry as
soon as possible”.
I
was having significant pain and numbness by the time I
sought medical advice. It became necessary to curtail
my work hours as part of an effort to alleviate symptoms.
I mention it because this led to a claim for partial disability.
I
began the disability claims process upon the advice of
my agent. However, once begun, my agent was divorced from
the process by the insurance company. Immediately, I became
an island. I filled out the enormous amount of paperwork
to the best of my abilities.
I
received written notification of a personal interview
with a field agent, which was to be conducted at my office.
My agent assured me it was “no big deal”. The “ interrogation”
lasted almost 2 hours and I cannot remember when I have
been so angry. The questions were designed to lead me,
trap me or incriminate me. It was a verb al mugging. I
immediately called my agent to let him know my displeasure.
By the way, my relationship with my agent has been and
still is one I value and cherish immensely. He let me
know in his kind, gentle way that there may be more of
this assault on me, and my character. When I hung up the
phone I then placed the most important call of my career.
The
man I called that day was Art Fries. I had heard of Art
from two local dentists who had gone through disability
claims and used his services. I was able to speak with
Art about my situations within 24 hours. He immediately
instilled a sense of calmness and confidence in me before
I ever became his client. Without a doubt, that call to
Art Fries has impacted my life for years to come.
I
am 46 years old and Art has guided my through the claims
process to Total disability to age 65. The financial impact
on my life is beyond words. I am eternally grateful for
his guidance, support, and friendship throughout this
process.
My
disability claims journey is like so many others. It has
been filled with medical tests, evaluations, medications,
MRI's, surgeries, denial, anger, questions, and eventually
acceptance. It's a roller coaster ride and the great thing
about Art is he has experienced it himself. He has also
worked with so many dentists and other professionals that
he has a tremendous wealth of information that quite frankly
no one else possesses.
The
purpose of this letter is to offer advice to anyone contemplating
having to file disability claims. None of us want to file
a claim but when that terrible time in your life falls,
expert advice is critical. I struggled through the initial
phases of my claims process with no guidance and the naïve
belief that the insurance company would believe me at
face value.
Don't
make my mistake. Become a client of Art Fries before you
fill out any disability claim forms and allow him to guide
you through the murky waters. His advice to you will be
invaluable.
Art,
thank you again for your help, guidance, empathy, and
camaraderie this past year.
You
are the best. |
|
| 1/23/2004
Dear
Art,
I
just wanted to express to you my satisfactory for all
your guidance with my disability claim. Your experience
and knowledge in the field of disability policy language
and how to go about giving the carrier the necessary information
was invaluable. My wife and I feel very fortunate to have
discovered you in an advertisement of a professional magazine.
I had even consulted with an attorney, as you are aware,
that was begging me to sign documents so that he could
go after the carrier and the attorney would take a third
of the settlement. I am glad that I stuck with you instead
through this claims procedure.
While
the process of getting the claim approved was a year from
my date of disability, which I understand is unusual in
this regard, you helped me stay focused on the process
and advised me how to speed it up while my patience was
wearing thin. Not only that, you advised me when not to
undergo a Functional Capacity exam and furthermore, how
to proceed with the Independent Medical Exam. Additionally,
your knowledge of the players at the higher levels in
the field of these disability carriers helps your clients
to better understand the journey that they are about to
undergo. It is a battle that I may not have won had it
not been for you. Thanks Art!
Most
Sincerely yours,
Name withheld
DDS |
|
| 1/7/2004
Dear
Art,
I
wanted to thank you for all the help you provided me in
dealing with this most difficult times in my life. Your
expertise, guidance and warm assuring manner was extremely
helpful to me.
All
I can say is I appreciate you and the excellent work you
do.
All
the best,
Name withheld |
|
| 12/02/03
Dear
Art,
I wanted to take a minute to thank you for all you did
for me regarding my disability claim. Finding you was
truly a blessing. When I first started having problems
with my hands back in 1995, I was scared about how it
would affect my career as a Dental Hygienist. I consulted
many different specialists and for years no one seemed
to be able to figure out exactly what was wrong with me.
While I continued to seek the advise of the experts regarding
my pain, my husband came across your website. I didn’t
know at the time how extremely important information would
be.
I continued to have pain until finally in early 2003 I
was no longer able to practice clinical dental hygiene.
While trying to deal with the physical pain of my condition
and the motional pain of having to give up a career, I
contacted an attorney to help me submit a claim to my
disability insurance. He rarely returned my phone calls
and I began to feel panic stricken. I didn’t feel
I could handle dealing with my pain and the disability
claim at the same time. I needed “hand holding”
and the attorney wasn’t giving me that. I was feeling
frustrated and disappointed, and then I remembered that
I had written your name down.
I can say with complete honesty that if I had not retained
your services, this process would not have gone so smoothly.
The packet of information your provided me was priceless.
I appreciate how knowledgeable you are and also your professionalism.
You always returned my calls in a timely manner and even
notified me if you were going to be out of town. I really
appreciate not having to make any decisions without your
guidance. You have guided me EVERY step of the way.
I am a firm believer in letting the experts handle things,
and you are the disability claim expert. If I am ever
in the position to recommend your services, I will with
complete confidence.
With Sincere thanks and gratitude,
Yours truly,
(Name Withheld)
|
|
| 11/30/03
Art,
Thank
you. It has been over a year now since you first helped
me with my disability questions. I followed your advice.
In the past 12 months I have received over $400,000 from
my two disability claims.
I have been too busy to write to you this overdue thank
you note, as I have been very active in the enjoyment
of my new life.
I was “DR. “ for 32 years. “Dr. *****”,
the ophthalmologist, is disabled but has new life. Now
I am much happier and there is further good news: My irregular
heart rhythm that I have had for about 4 years is now
almost nonexistent. I still have the minor inconvenience
of a hand and head tremor but I feel that overall I am
happier and healthier than I have been it 20 years.
There
is no doubt that your help was instrumental in my asking
for and getting over $150,000 in money for partial disability
that I would not have asked for without your help. In
addition to offering me good advice you gave personal
encouragement that was very reassuring.
Art, thank you for your help and support!
Sincerely
(Name Withheld) |
|
| 11/14/03
Hi
Art,
Just
a note to say hello and to wish you a very happy holiday
season. I am still receiving my disability payments, still
teaching dentistry, and my life has never been better.
I didn’t think I would ever feel this good at the
age of 64. Your work and expertise was a blessing for
me. Hope you and your family are well.
Sincerely
(Name Withheld)
|
|
| 11/10/2003
Dear
Art,
I
would like to express my appreciation for your expert
assistance over these past three years. As you know, I
had a very successful Pain Management and Anesthesiology
practice when a severe bowel disorder prompted me to accept
a disability status. At this time, I was disturbed by
television and print reports of the multiple methods disability
carriers used to deny or at least make extremely difficult
legitimate claims applications. Used to being prepared
for adversity I made a search on the internet for disability
consultants, found your informative web site and contacted
you. I felt strongly after a few minutes conversation
with you that you would help “level the playing
field” with the insurance company. Following are
some of the specifics you provided:
- Due
to your experience in disability insurance and with
expert questioning you validated the legitimacy of my
disability claim.
-
Provided a comprehensive review of my disability policies
and made an easily understood written and verbal summary
emphasizing key points.
-
Gave me general and specific guidance regarding any
verbal or written communication with the disability
carriers reminding that their primary motivation was
to find a way to deny the claim.
-
Worked with me in preparing the initial Claim For Disability
Benefits form, literally going through it line by line.
You provided expert guidance on what to say and more
important on what not to say. All statements were accurate
but not said in a way that required further lengthy
explanations.
-
Gave invaluable advice on preparing a comprehensive
sequence of Events which gave the opportunity to provide
critical information to the disability carrier not solicited
in their multiple forms.
-
Helped in the same detail respond to multiple inquiries
and forms that you predicted would be forthcoming from
the disability carrier.
-
Provided advice on how I might guide my attending physician
on the verbiage he used in preparing forms and statements
to the disability carrier.
-
Prepared me for the Field Visit to my home by the disability
carrier representative.
-
After the claim was approved you advised me on the appropriated
way to handle the ongoing requests for additional medical
testing and continuing personal and physician forms.
-
Provided guidance and advice for a recent Independent
Medical Exam (IME) I was required to attend.
Besides the obvious value of having my claim quickly
approved the greatest value of consulting with you is
that you have educated and prepared me for almost all
contingencies encountered from the disability carrier.
As a result, I have had some sense of control and confidence
in this sometime daunting endeavor.
Sincerely
(Name Withheld) M.D.) |
|
| 11/1/2003
Dear
Art,
I
would like to thank you for all the help and the least
I can do is give you a letter of recommendation. I don’t
know if you need it, but it can’t hurt. I was at
a loss with my disability and the problems it caused in
my life after almost 20 years in practice. When I first
called I was a little leery about your fee (not cheap)
and I had 2 different policies. I decided I need expert
help and you seemed qualified. I think you were worth
every penny. You are very generous with your time and
I do not think that you watch the clock, although that
was one of my initial concerns. You are in effect a great
value for the money. I just received a residual disability
benefit and this is just from one of my two insurance
companies. I was most impressed with the way you were
able to integrate the problems of my pending divorce,
tax, legal and disability insurance ramifications and
help me to come up with the best course of actions when
looking at the big picture. Your advice went well beyond
just getting my claim paid. I feel that the work you did
will serve me well in the many years that lie ahead. I
wish with all my heart that I wasn’t going to be
disabled, but I can’t change that. But your advice
and help has made it easier and most importantly financially
better. When the time comes, if it does I will follow
your advice and let you help me negotiate a bulk settlement,
rather than deal with them with monthly payouts. Your
years of experience are very impressive, and you know
just what is needed. Please feel free to give this letter
to any of your prospective clients. I am so appreciative
that they can call me anytime at the office or on my cell
phone. I just ask, if calling my dental office they are
discreet with the staff. I will be happy to discuss what
my injuries and payouts were like and why are better to
have helping than a team of attorneys,
Sincerely
Name withheld---
D.D.S.
|
|
| 10/10/03
Dear Art,
Recently I had my claim for disability accepted and I
can’t thank you enough. Your understanding and insight
into my particular situation was most commendable. Also,
the thoroughness with which you approached each and every
request by the insurance company was outstanding, and
I believe, one of the deciding factors in having the claim
accepted. Chronic pain syndromes come under special scrutiny
by carriers so your knowledge of the system was invaluable
to me.
Art the part that is difficult to describe, and so to
thank you for, was the ‘hand holding’ when
it seemed to take forever for a decision on my claim.
You were always on top of the situation and reassured
me during all our conversations.
Once again Art, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your
guidance and efforts on my behalf truly made a difference.
Name withheld---
MD |
|
| 8/13/03
I want to thank you for your help. Knowing you are there
for me has given me the strength I've needed to fill out
each form, to take the next step etc. In my depressed
state, I cannot pick up a piece of paper and fill it out
without direction and encouragement. That you're there
and answer my calls so promptly has been as important
to me as what you know. What's the saying... people don't
care how much you know until they know how much you care,
Sincerely,
Name withheld--- |
|
| May
12, 2003
Art,
Just wanted to let you know how appreciative my family
and I are for the guidance you provided in successfully
presenting my case to the insurance company after they
decided to stop payment of my monthly disability checks.
Although I felt my case was clear cut and obvious, that
a radiologist would have residual distortion and chronic
eye problems following a significant retinal tear and
detachment in my eye, the insurance company looked at
it differently. Fortunately, I contacted you and you quickly
reviewed the case and restored my confidence. Having honesty
and integrity, I only needed to know how to properly convey
it. You successfully helped guide and navigate
me through a list of questions, some of which are difficult
to answer
without implicating something not intended. By working
together as well as your proactive direct intervention
through the insurance bureaucracy I was not only to get
my monthly check re-instated but received a separate check
for the four months when I had to live off reserves. You
lived up to and exceeded my expectations as a competent
professional with total integrity who always called me
back promptly and answered all my concerns.
Thank you for being there when I needed you.
Best Regards,
Name withheld--- |
|
| 4/22/03
Arthur
L. Fries, RHU
Disability Insurance Claims
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Hi
Art,
I
just saw your ad in Dental Practice Report and I began
to think of you. My life is on an even keel now. It was
a pleasure doing business with you. I want you to know
that I don’t think another person on the planet could
have done better for me than you did.
I
hope this letter finds you and your family healthy and
happy.
If
you need me to confirm your competence I will be happy
to speak to anyone.
Respectfully,
Name
Withheld--- |
|
| 2/10/03
Dear
Art,
This
is just a brief note for thanks for your expertise in
guiding me through the minefields of disability claims.
As the result of your input, the disability company has
been quite prompt and cooperative. So far, I’ve had none
of the snags that we all fear. Knowing how to handle the
paperwork has also been a huge relief.
I
would be happy to whole-heartedly recommend you to anyone
going through this process.
Again,
many thanks,
Name
withheld--- |
|
| 1/6/2003
Dear
Art,
I
want to thank you for your wise and learned council regarding
my disability claim. Although I have practiced 18 years
and had lots of communications with insurance companies;
I would be like a "babe in the woods" regarding
this type of claim if not for your guidance.
Since
I got hurt I have spoken with a surprising number of associates
that have filed claims and have heard the horror stories
that some your testimonials alluded to.
There
is too much at stake not to have you in my corner when
handling a project like this.
Thanks
again.
Yours,
D.C. |
|
| June
5-02
LETTER
OF TESTIMONIAL TO ART FRIES
Dear
Recently Disabled Physician:
So
you think you know all about medicine and surgery! You've
recently become disabled, and you're going to file a disability
claim for benefits. Watch out! You are going for a swim
with the sharks who handle disability claims. You, as
a physician because of your training, are taught to trust,
to be honest and guileless. You are coming up against
people in the insurance claims business who are devious,
misleading and speak a language foreign to you as a physician.
If you file that claim before you consult with Art Fries,
you are in for trouble and probably will not receive your
full benefits in a timely manner, if at all. And if you
start the process of filing a claim on your own without
his help, it is very difficult to correct the mistakes
that YOU WILL CERTAINLY MAKE, and to extract you from
the sharks' jaws of the Claims Adjuster.
With
Art's help, I was guided through the entire claims process,
instructed on what to say, what to write, and how to present
myself in a light that would expedite settlement of my
claim with maximum benefits.
And
once your claim has been approved by the insurance company,
don't expect it to be paid without problems. Art will
guide you through the minefield that follows.
Take
my advice: Hire Art Fries as your Disability Consultant.
He is worth every penny of his fees.
Sincerely
MD
Disabled Physician, Southern California
May 31-02
Mr. Arthur Fries
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Dear Art:
I opened the mail tonight
and found five checks, one for each of my disability claims
going back to an original disability date of November
1, 2000 for depression. It could not have come at a better
time. My son and I had just come back from moving some
of my mother's furniture into an assisted living facility
to which she will be moving after her discharge from her
most recent episode in the hospital. Words cannot express
fully my gratitude to you for masterful guidance and meticulous
attention to detail in processing my disability claim.
Even if I were not suffering from the depression that
has kept me from practicing commercial law for such a
long time, I would not attempt to navigate the tricky
waters of disability claim procedures without you at the
helm of the ship.
Your understanding of
what your clients are going through, and your step-by-step
procedure has been a godsend. You may have beat your own
record with a claim being processed and approved in two
months and going back to a disability date 17 months before
submission of the claim. Only because of the stack of
documentation that you had me submit was this processed
so quickly. While the depression still continues, at least
the ability to provide for my family and the lifting of
the terrible guilt I have felt at no longer being able
to be the breadwinner provides me some solace. While I
am sure you are proud of your earlier career selling disability
insurance, today you are providing a much more valuable
and needed service with your sage advice and counseling
to those like me that have never gone through this process.
God Bless You.
Warmest regards,
March
23-02
Dear
Art,
Thank
you for all the help and support you have provided me
over the past year. Being faced with a potentially career
ending disability was a frightening and confusing time.
When I first saw your ad in a dental journal, my thought
was, if I have a justified disability, what do I need
an insurance consultant for? A consultant is probably
only necessary if your disability falls within a "gray
area" as far as insurance claims are concerned. I
felt the facts of my situation would speak for themselves.
Despite these reservation, something lead me to make the
call to you. Now a full year into my carpal tunnel nightmare
I realize that phone call was the best decision I ever
made. Additionally, I feel lucky that I made the call
to you prior to contacting my insurance carriers . Your
help has been prompt and sincere. My wife and I have been
amazed by how quickly you have responded to our questions
and correspondences.
Working
with you, we feel we have someone on our side, looking
out for our best interests. You have the unique ability
to help me portray my condition to the insurance company
in a manner that is truthful, yet sympathetic to my situation.
Your knowledge of the disability insurance industry and
the way it works has without a doubt resulted in more
prompt and comprehensive insurance payments. One small
suggestion you made during our very first telephone conversation
resulted in a full three months of insurance benefits
down the road.
My disability
has completely changed the course of my life. The moral
support and reassurance you have provided me has made
this change much less stressful. Coping with the realization
that I can no longer practice dentistry is difficult,
but thanks to your help, it has not become a financial
crisis. It gives me great peace of mind to know you are
still there if future questions arise. Again many thanks.
Sincerely
DDS
5-20-02
Dear Art,
I
want to thank you for your expert advice on how to have
my disability claim reinstated. Without your constant
reinforcement, I would have given in to the insurance
company's tormenting pressure. Being disabled from my
profession has been and is devastating but due to your
support and knowledge I am now receiving 5,000 /mo., from
my insurance company. Thanks again for helping me increase
the quality of my life.
Sincerely,
5-19-02
Art Fries, RHU-Insurance
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-551
RE: INSURANCE SETTLEMENT
Dear Art:
Your negotiation skills were invaluable in achieving
my settlement with the above captioned entities. Prior
to your involvement there was no communication between______
and myself. They were content to continue to stonewall.
When you became involved, things changed. It took them
a while to come around but your persistence and negotiating
skills brought them to a reasonable settlement. The amount
was very near to what we had previously estimated as being
fair. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
March
5-02
Mr. Arthur Fries
Dear
Art,
All
of your expertise and knowledge of how the disability
insurance system works (or doesn’t work) has certainly
helped me with the problems I’ve had with Paul Revere.
I honestly do not know how I couldve handled the
different
problems without you and I want you to know how much Iappreciate
your wisdom.
All
of the tricky questions that are asked when filing a claim,
I believe, are set up to hang or trap
the Insured. It has been such a relief to me to know that
Ive had and have you to help answer these difficult,
tricky questions. My only regret is that I didnt
have your help from the onset of all this instead of two
years into it!! Until you started helping me, the struggles
with the insurance company were a nightmare and literally
nauseating!!
When
you found out I was scheduled for two IMEs (nearly
one year after the sale of my practice; which Im
sure was an attempt at not paying me) you guided me on
how to handle the IMEs, what to look for, some possible
tricks and precautions, how to walk in, what to expect,
how to get answers before the exams, and how to get copies
of the IME reports. Art, I literally feel like I have
been in and to some extent still am in a war with my own
insurance company.
The
Bible, in Proverbs says only go to war with wise
counsel. Well, Art, my
wise counsel is YOU!! There is nobody in this industry
who looks out for the insured, and who gives the kind
of insightful counsel that you do.
Since
you have been helping me over the past 1 1/2 years, I
am getting monthly checks. There have heen some bumps
in the road, however, if I would have done EXACTLY what
you told me to do, the road would have been smoother,
Im sure. Some of the important things you told me
to do, at the time I didnt think were so important.
Well, now I see the importance of your instructions! Im
talking about a couple of times when you would tell me
to communicate back with ..... and I didnt; well,
man, I SHOULD HAVE!! But you have always been so kind
when I fall, to pick me back up, dust me off,
and get me back on the right track again. Thank-you for
all those times. Not listening to you exactly really does
cause problems because you always seem to have the insight
as to what the insurance company was thinking and planning.
Like the time you told me you thought the insurance company
was setting me up to eliminate me. The fact that I even
thought they couldnt/wouldnt be that
devious and conniving; surely they know I'm injured and
that I cant practice, and that I would never be
that underhanded, what a joke!! Ten months later
they called me and said they didnt think they should
be paying me and wanted to do the lMEs.
Art,
I now have a tremendous amount of respect for you, for
your insight, knowledge, and wisdom in your field and
I really appreciate you and all of your hard work and
help.
Also,
I would recommend anyone who is in the situation of having
to file a disability claim to contact you immediately
before taking even the first step or answering the first
question. You will spare them the pains and heartaches
that .I initially went through. Not to mention that they
will receive their benefits much faster! Yes, you said
your services are expensive, but you know the old saying
you get what you pay for. It could sure cost
the client far more than just your fees. I am thankful
for you and, trust me, you have earned every dime I have
paid you. And if I had to do it all over again, I would
definitely START with you.
Very Sincerely!
EYE
PHYSICIAN and SURGEON
March
3, 2002
Arthur L. Fries
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511
Dear Art:
Unexpectedly
facing the end of a career and total occupational disability
is one of life’s most traumatic events. The thought of
how to properly present one’s disability claim to a disability
insurance company even heightens the anxiety.
I
feel blessed that I happened to read about you in my local
medical association journal. After checking your website,
I called you and my feelings of loneliness and despair
quickly diminished.
You
guided me thru the process of filing my disability claim
step by step. You
were always available for advice, even at night and on
weekends. Writing my
two-page "History of Events Leading to Present
Total Disability, as you
suggested, was a refreshing, therapeutic experience that
restored my self-
esteem.
Art,
you are part father, part psychologist, part attorney,
part consultant, and part educator. But mainly, you are
a reliable friend in need.
Thanks
Art for your timely guidance and support.
MD
April
4, 2002
Dear
Art,
I
wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your help
in successfully completeing my disability claim. Even
with a legitimate claim, the process is confusing and
stressful. You helped me clearly demonstrate to my carrier
the merits of my case on the first pass and saved me significant
time and worry. I can't imagine doing this alone.
I
regard you as both a mentor and friend. Thank you again
for providing this invaluable service to professionals.
Sincerely
yours
MD
D.D.S.
New York, NY
Dear
Art,
Thank you for your great help. I was lost without you.
With my best wishes.
Dear
Injured Professional, When
your private disability carrier decides to come after
you and terminate your benefits, you will need a guardian
angel, mine was Art Fries.
I had been a health care professional for over fourteen
years when I started having various physical problems
that were causing me a great deal of pain, and starting
to prevent me from doing my job. I would later find out
that the ergonomics of the job had brought about numerous
bulging discs, bone spurs, nerve compressions, and joint
problems. Fortunately for me, these injuries had not progressed
to the point of needing surgical intervention. Had I continued
to work, I could have potentially been facing multiple
surgeries. My doctors insisted that I needed to change
my career. This was very hard for me to hear. I resisted
their advice until my hands and arms became so numb that
I started dropping instruments, and the pain had progressed
to the point that I wasn't sleeping at night regardless
of what medication I was given.
For nearly three years I navigated the state disablity
and workers compensation systems. This was a grueling
process, but I knew it wouldn't fast forever. I was sent
to multiple Independent Medical Examiners and Qualified
Medical Examiners to verify that I was entitled to
the benefits they were providing. All of their doctors
agreed with my team of doctors, and workers compensation
authorized vocational rehabilitation for me. During this
time my private disability insurance company was paying
me a monthly benefit without interruption. I felt that
at least I could depend on them.
My choices for a new career were very limited. I ended
up being retrained for a job where I would earn less than
50% of my former income. Unfortunately it was the last
option that I was presented given my medical restrictions.
Between my new job and my private disability coverage,
it would be enough to meet my monthly expenses and I breathed
a sigh of relief. Without the disability insurance money
I would have been forced to sell my home.
My relief was short lived. Within two months of settling
with workers compensation, my private disability carrier
sent me a letter stating that I would need to see their
Independent Medical Examiner so that they could better
understand my medical condition. This is the kind of letter
you never want to receive. Since they already had current
reports from seven specialists that all agreed on my medical
condition as well as x-rays, MRI's, and various scans
that confirmed their findings, I could read between the
lines. I felt like I was being led to slaughter, but I
was not going to go down without a fight.
My first thought was to contact an attorney. After several
conversations it became clear that this must be a specialty
field, and finding someone who could represent my interests
wasn't going to be easy. I ended up contacting the agent
that had sold the original policy to me fifteen earlier,
explained my plights, and he recommended that I contact
Art Fries. This agent had become so disillusioned with
how the insurance company had treated his clients over
the years that he no longer sold policies for them.
I placed a phone call to Art immediately. I explained
that I had a lifetime policy on which I had paid premiums
for over fifteen years. After receiving benefits for three
years I feared they would try to send me to a doctor that
would provide them with some reason to terminate my benefits.
He validated my concerns, and told me what he could do
to help protect my rights. He was knowledgeable, articulate,
experienced and obviously disgusted with the current state
of the disability insurance company's underhanded tactics.
Evidently, the company I was dealing with had become one
of the worst offenders.I hired him immediately and over
the next few weeks he reviewed all of my medical records
and my insurance policy. The lifetime policy I had could
easily cost the company over one million dollars, which
made me a significant liability to them.
By the time I was scheduled for the visit with their doctor,
I was well prepared and armed with knowledge that would
prove to be invaluable to me. The doctor could clearly
see that I was receiving professional counsel based on
the documentation I had with me, the witness that I brought
along, and by the questions I asked him. In the end, the
doctor did do the right thing and his report stated that
I could no longer continue to work in my field. Whether
he did the right thing because he was ethical or because
he knew that he could be held accountable, by me, for
his recommendation in a court of law, I will never know.
He did however run the risk of losing repeat business
from the insurance company by not rendering a decision
in their favor. Perhaps if patients were well prepared,
as I was, doctors would not be as easily swayed by insurance
company dollars.
For nearly three months I agonized and prepared for that
visit. I worried about my financial future, which resulted
in many sleepless nights. My only comfort was that I had
Art on my side. I was fortunate to have contacted him
before they terminated my benefits.
A few months after this ordeal, the insurance company
presented me with a lump sum settlement offer. It amounted
to less than one fifth of the value of my
policy. Art advised me not to accept their offer, but
told me that he would understand completely if I did.
He knows the emotional anguish that his clients face.
He understands how ruthless these insurance companies
are becoming. I believe he calls it murder by proxy.
My final decision was to turn down their offer. It was
not an easy decision. The thought of not having to deal
with them anymore was very appealing, but it's about doing
the right thing. I paid them a premium for a policy and
I am now entitled to the benefits of that policy. I held
up my end of the bargain, and Art helped me to force them
to hold up theirs. I truly don't know what I would have
done without him. I also know, that the insurance company
is not going to leave me alone, and that in the future
I will probably need Art's invaluable advice again. If
you are facing a similar situation, don't risk facing
the insurance company on your own. Art can help you fight
back in a language that they understand and will respond
to. They don't play fair and it could cost you dearly.
I wholeheartedly recommend that you retain Art Fries as
your advisor and your advocate. In the end, you will be
thankful that you did.
Best
of luck to you!
8
May, 2001
Arthur L. Fries, RHU
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, California
92663-5511
Dear Art,
My disability began almost nine years ago. Like most people,
initially I was very angry. As time passed, I became more
accustomed to living and working with my problem. As an
orthopedic surgeon, I refused to allow my work and my
efforts to suffer. Later the symptoms and the treatment
began to take its toll. It was more and more difficult
to put in the hours, and my results did not seem to be
what they used to. For many reasons, like many others,
I pressed on not willing to give up what I had spent most
of my life learning. My health was worsening because of
these efforts. I thought many times over the years about
applying for disability. I knew because of the climate
of the medical profession in recent years, that an increasing
number of physicians were applying for disability. I thought
it might be difficult to obtain my disability because
of this climate.
I talked
to several lawyers who said they would consider "giving
it a shot" and in return would keep a percentage
of my checks as long as they were paid. That situation
was hard for me to stomach. I kept working until I felt
that I could not safely perform anymore. I found your
name on the Internet searching for disability advice.
Since that time, I have proceeded step by step and with
your counseling have obtained a full disability status
from my insurance company.
I shudder
to think what my outcome might have been had I not found
your website. Thank you very much.
Sincerely
M.D
To
Whom It May Concern,
4/09/01
HELP
FOR THE INJURED AND HURTING
If
you are reading this letter you are probably in the same
boat I was before finding Art Fries.
The scenario goes something like this.
You get hurt and try to keep things going by yourself.
You have been thrown off your horse so you just keep getting
back on and trying again.
Your abilities to stay on that horse however are greatly
reduced because you are not quite up to snuff or perhaps
you can't climb on anymore.
Eventually you determine you can't handle everything on
your own.
You realize that you are no longer Superman or Wonder
Woman and you can't always handle everything that
comes your way.
So finally you concede to do what you never imagined you
would ever have to do, that is you have to make a claim
against your disability policy because your illness is
influencing your ability to make a living. So naïve
as you may be you call your agent afraid to tell him the
bad news but confidant that you will probably get your
money special delivery in a day or two.
After all by the time you get around to asking for it
you are likely in pretty bad shape financially, and you
may have several kids to feed and clothe. Perhaps you
think the longest it could take is 30 days or so, after
all if your premiums are not paid within 30 days you
get canceled.
The bad news is it may take you years to get any money
for your honest genuine disability and a resulting loss
of income if you try making the claim on your own.
Ask
yourself: What in the heck do I know about making
a claim for disability?
Answer: Zip, assuming this is the first time.
Ask yourself: How many claims have the insurance
companies processed?
Answer: Millions
Ask Yourself: What are the chances I will get skinned
alive?
Answer: Answer that yourself.
Ask Yourself: Do I need someone to help me who
is experienced with this?
Answer: Yes,
Art Fries.
I
was severely chemically injured and hurting for a long
time. It has been an uphill struggle for over 5 years
now. I now have some autoimmune issues as a result and
each day is difficult.
It
is a difficult kind of injury to identify, diagnose, or
prove.
I kept hoping for a diagnosis and a cure trudged to 2
dozen doctors over a five-year period of time. As you
can imagine it was very costly.
Feeling
as I did, not much energy was left to fight with an Insurance
Company, let alone run in circles as they will ask you
to do.
Had I found Art Fries in the beginning, it would have
saved me time, money frustration and torment.
I also may have gotten to the bottom of my health issues
in a more timely manner. In my mind I was thinking I would
have a diagnosis or I couldn't even pursue the claim.
In reality I already had a severe loss of income and an
illness, identified or not yet that was keeping me from
performing as before.
The insurance company will try and bury you with whatever
it is that you can't do. For me it was the paperwork and
computations. I also did not know how to communicate with
the physicians. Quite frankly I was intimidated by the
insurance company and scared that whatever I submitted
to them would eventually be turned and twisted into a
denial of coverage on some silly detail. I had tried reading
and understanding my policy but I am not an attorney and
even simple parts eluded my understanding.
In retrospect perhaps most of my paranoia and cynicism
was indeed justified. As I was close to approval I thought,
I got another denial letter. This was after years and
lots of documentation. Fortunately I had hired Art just
prior to this point and his expertise is what ultimately
made the difference between denial and approval of my
claim.
I have a wife and 4 children to support and take care
of. I hope to eventually recover enough to work productively
and retrain and survive. I don't know if I will ever be
able to continue in my chosen field or not. Without Art's
help I question if I could of survived much longer. The
money from the approved claim will buy me the time I need
to get back on my feet.
Don't wait as long as I did to hire Art Fries. The longer
your claim drags on the harder life is on your family.
You may lose your house, your business, health insurance,
etc.
Best
wishes to all those who may read this letter.
I hope for a speedy recovery for you
Sincerely
To:
Business Executives
Thank you Art Fries
Prior
to my disability, I was an executive in a global technology
company, with a large staff and a large budget. My role
involved flying all over the world, enjoying the hi-tech
environment challenges of break-neck-speed-to-market projects
and the immense monetary rewards for success.
Unfortunately
I became ill and my physician advised my to leave work.
My symptoms included fatigue, headaches, memory loss,
dizziness, muscle pain, etc. All subjective evidence those
insurance companies hate.
Welcome
to the hole aggravating, frustrating, and maddening American
mess of the Disability Insurance Claim Denial System Process.
I applied for short-term disability benefits, and immediately
hired Art Fries as a consultant. Yes, I hired him after
reading his web site and talking to him for one hour on
the phone. Yes, I sent him a retainer check that very
day. And yes, it was the best decision I made.
Although
my doctor had documented my illness, I was advised that
I would be in for a battle with an insurance company.
Insurance company conclusion; "the evidence does
not support continued impairment at this time and is without
evidence of physiological or physiological documentation.
Your symptoms are self-reported without the evidence of
medical information we will not extend any benefits."
Art
reviewed and interpreted my policy, provided guidance,
consolation and expert advice in processing the insurance
forms and dealing with requested medical reports. He was
a tremendous support. Two particular documents he helped
me create solidified my case and help transition me into
long-term disability benefits even as the insurance company
continued to deny my claim. Without Art, I would have
lost all hope.
I
recommend you get Art involved early in the process. Without
Art, you don't stand a chance.
March
18, 2001
Dear
Art,
I
just wanted you to know what a tremendous help you have
been in guiding me through the disability insurance application
process for my husband. I don't know what I would have
done without you. You have answered each and every question
in a manner that is clear and consistent and you have
communicated with ease in a timely fashion. Although I
am not finished with the rehabilitation recovery cycle
of my husband, I know I can always rely on you to be responsive
and honest. Even though the sudden onset of this disability
has been a traumatic event for all of my family members,
your assistance has helped me refocus when events seemed
overwhelming and encouraged me to take charge of issues
that have immediate and serious consequences. My continued
thanks and appreciation.
With
Regards
M.D.,
OB/GYN, F.A.C.O.G.
1 -29 -2001
Arthur
Fries
In
March 1997, after rupturing a disk, I needed to put in
a claim with my disability carrier. I received the paperwork
from the company and began to fill them out. Many of the
questions appeared simple, but I sensed that how I answered
these questions might be critical in the company's determination
of benefits.
Luckily
for me, a friend gave me the name of Arthur Fries. Mr.
Fries specializes in helping professionals with disability
claims. I sent Mr. Fries the forms, and sought his guidance.
Mr. Fries was extremely honest, professional, and gave
only expert advice. It turns out I was correct in seeking
guidance in filling out the forms. Mr. Fries only had
to tell me the truth, but he knew what language and information
was needed to support my claim. I would have answered
several questions in a manner that may have led the company
to deny benefits.
Over
these past few years, I have not communicated with my
disability carrier, either in writing or by phone, without
Mr. Fries personally reviewing and approving those communications.
In one year, the company changed the form very slightly,
but without his guidance and advice, I would have jeopardized
my claim.
Mr.
Fries has also been very helpful in guiding me to reduce
the required paperwork and frequency of exams required
by the company. He has insight as to when it is appropriate
to balk at the frequency of these, and when to request
a change in interval of required reports.
Mr.
Fries fees are a small measure when compared to what he
can gain you by his advice. I would advise any professional
considering a legitimate disability claim to seek his
input. To do otherwise, would be shortsighted and foolish.
Sincerely,
M.D.
Childrens
Dentistry and Orthodontics
To
All Professionals:
Having
several disability policies with various amounts and inception
dates I foolishly believed that I would be adequately
protected from financial problems if I were to become
disabled. All my policies were from the major players
in the field. When I started the process of filling out
forms and being interviewed by the insurance companies,
I was in for a real surprise. They have used every possible
devious means to stall and prevent me from receiving my
benefits. I hired a lawyer who was familiar with these
companies and he was very helpful.
He
had read about Art Fries and suggested that I give him
a call. When I spoke to Art, it was as though the lights
were suddenly turned on. He knows where to dot the "i's"
and cross the "t's". If you make one honest
mistake they will try to hang you on it. I am now receiving
my disability benefits thanks greatly to the consistently
excellent advice that Art has shared with my attorney
and myself. My only regret is that I didn't meet Art before
I started this treacherous journey.
D.D.S
QUOTE
FROM A HIGHLY RESPECTED CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY WHO SPECIALIZES
IN DISABILITY CLAIMS/BAD FAITH. His firm has had numerous
multi million dollar verdicts/settlements.
"Arthur
L. Fries is well prepared, extremely well organized, presents
material in clear, concise and easy to follow manner,
is believable and trusted".
January
30, 2000
Dear
Art,
I
wanted to send you a short note to thank you for your
honesty, your support and your true expertise during the
past two years. When I initially heard from the insurance
company telling me they would no longer pay my claim I
was devastated. Why had I paid the insurance premiums
for all these years? How would I support my family? My
depression only got worse. I had saved one of your ads
from a professional journal when I first got ill. I called
you and you promptly returned my call. After our first
conversation I had a good
feeling that you were there for people
just like me. Everyone around me advised to go to an attorney
and sue the insurance company and get a settlement. I
knew I needed someone with expertise in this highly specialized
area and a settlement was not what I needed. As of right
now, with all of your help, the insurance company is paying
me again. I still have that good
feeling that if I need your help with the
disability claim in the future, that you will be there
to give me the expert advice I need.
Sincerely,
DDS
1-25-00
Dear
Art,
Thanks for the help. Your back-up and input is invaluable.
BOB
May
30, 1999
Hi
Art!
Great
News! Got about $21,000 on 2 personal policies and they
needed more info on BOE. They are paying residual as far
back as 4/20/98. You are a genius!
Thanks
so much.
ROBERT
MARS
ATTORNEY AT LAW |
30100 Town Center Drive, Suite #0-437
Laguna Niguel, California 92677- 2067
PHONE
& FAX: (800) 852-6277
|
August
25, 1998
Mr.
Art Fries, RHU
225 Via San Remo
Newport Beach, CA 92663
To Whom it May Concern:
I am a California Attorney, currently collecting long
term disability benefits under my disability policy.
As
an attorney, I had settled millions of dollars of claims
with Insurance Companies. I thought I would be prepared
to make my own disability claim. I was wrong. My Insurance
Company came up with each and EVERY excuse to delay
and deny my disability payments. I later learned that
many Disability Insurance Companies are in financial
trouble, and they are denying a huge percentage of claims
on very dubious grounds. They will trick you, lie to
you and spy on you to avoid paying your claim.
Finally,
I retained Disability Insurance Expert Art Fries to
assist me in my claim. What a difference! Once I followed
Art's advice, the Insurance Company paid me in full,
including back payment with interest of the benefits
they had denied. Even as an attorney I had made mistakes
in pursuing my claim that only an insider like ART would
know about.
If
you are a professional contemplating making a disability
claim, I have two words of advice for you: ART FRIES.
Do yourself a huge favor, and hire him now, BEFORE
you submit a single paper to your Insurance Company.
Do not wait, like I did, until the Insurance Company
has denied your claim. You can save
yourself from sleepless nights and financial ruin by
following Art's advice.
| EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
by
David Knetzer
A
Must For Your Rolodex
There are two kinds of insurance companies,
those whose corporate policy it is to pay Claims
and those whose policy it is to deny claims. Good
insurance brokers strive to do business with financially
sound (AAA+ in Best's) companies whose attitude
is to pay claims. Unfortunately, I am hearing stories
about physicians who are not able to work being
denied disability benefits even from those Companies
that are financially sound. Being hassled
by a clerk in an insurance company is like being
kicked when you are down.
Call Art Fries - 1-800-567-1911. Add him to your Rolodex
as the person to call if you or one of your patients
are being hassled over a disability claim. Mr. Fries
is a former insurance executive who, on a fee for
service basis, guides you through the maze of insurance
company policy/procedure and bureaucracy.
He will advise you on how to complete the claim
forms. He will Walk you through the process so that
you will know exactly what to expect. He will hold
your hand through the tough times if your carrier's
policy is to deny everything to grind you down.
He will analyze the numbers if your insurance company
makes you a cash offer instead of the monthly disability
payments you expected.
He's
an impressive "hold their feet to fire" kind
of guy that you want on your side. Make sure Art
Fries - 1-800-567-1911 is in the old Rolodex.
_____________________________________________________________
SAN
DIEGO PHYSICIAN / JULY 1998 |
Nov
16, 1998
Dear
Art,
I am here in receipt of your statements of 10/31/98 and
11/12/98. First I want to thank you for you help in dealing
with Provident Insurance Company. I believe that our persistance
and organization of overwhelming evidence contributed
to their reversing their original position. Your insight
to the nature of the problem and strategy also very much
contributed to their about face of the interpretation
of policy language for their selfish benefit. Although
right was on our side, they needed appropriate nudging.
For
This, I Again Thank You. |
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