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

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,

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,

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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,

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,

July 3, 2006

Dear Art,

You are the light at the end of the tunnel!!
God Bless You!

Sincerely,

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,

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!!

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

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,

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,

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

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

Sincerely

Name withheld,

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