This episode walks you through how hospital billing works, why insurance claims sometimes take time, and how the business office advocates for patients so you can focus on recovery. It matters because understanding your medical bill can reduce stress and help you avoid unexpected charges.
Guests: Wendy Ward, BS, MHA, Assistant Vice President of Finance, and Owen Rigby, BS, MLA, Director of the Business Office at Willis-Knighton Health.
We cover practical steps for checking insurance coverage, reading a billing statement, handling claim denials, and arranging payment or financial assistance. Keywords: hospital bill, insurance claim, billing statement, patient financial responsibility, financial assistance.
Call 318-212-4030 to speak with the business office or visit the Willis-Knighton Health website to learn more and subscribe for updates.

Have you ever thought about Tim Tebow’s BMI? Probably not, but after you hear from Dr. Maurie Patterson, you will!

In this Episode of Health on Point, Dr. Patterson explains metabolic disorders are often at the root of some of today’s most common health challenges, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Yet many people don’t realize they may be living with a metabolic condition until serious complications develop.

We discuss how metabolic disorders are identified, what causes them, and the latest approaches to treatment. We explore the complex relationship between metabolism, weight, hormones, genetics, and lifestyle, while separating common myths from medical facts.

You’ll learn about the warning signs of metabolic disease, the importance of early diagnosis, and how advances in medications, nutrition, and personalized care are helping patients achieve better health outcomes than ever before.

Whether you’re concerned about your own health, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in the science behind metabolism, this informative conversation offers valuable insights into one of healthcare’s most important and rapidly evolving fields.

A clear, practical guide to what patients legally can — and cannot — do with their medical records. Covers access, copies, amendments, and when the facility retains the physical record while the patient owns the data.

In this episode, we take a comprehensive, modern look at lung health—bridging chronic disease management, early cancer detection, and cutting-edge procedural innovation available at Willis Knighton Health. We begin with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), discussing practical, evidence-based strategies to optimize diagnosis, personalize therapy, and improve long-term outcomes.

From there, we shift to lung cancer screening, highlighting who should be screened, how low-dose CT has transformed early detection, and the real-world impact on mortality when screening is implemented effectively.

We will also dive into the evolving world of advanced bronchoscopy, focusing on robotic-assisted platforms that are redefining how we approach pulmonary nodules. We break down how robotic bronchoscopy works, when to use it, and how it compares to traditional biopsy techniques in terms of accuracy, safety, and access to peripheral lesions.

This episode delivers a clear overview of where pulmonary medicine stands today—and where it’s headed next. 

Learn more about Kamal A. Masri, MD 

Patrick Lavo, MD offers a thorough and engaging explanation of what an otolaryngologist (ENT) can do for you, including head and neck surgery. 

Learn more about John Patrick Lavo, MD 

A pain medicine specialist isn't just a pill pusher. Dr. John Noles of WK Spine and Pain discusses the wide range of treatments available for acute and chronic pain. 

Learn more about John G. Noles, MD

Many people assume neurological care starts with a subspecialist, but the reality is very different. In this episode we explore why general neurology is the essential 1st step in diagnosing and treating brain and nerve disorders. From strokes and epilepsy to dementia and multiple sclerosis, a general neurology clinic often provides the 1st answers and the full treatment plan. Learn how comprehensive neurological care happens locally at Willis Knighton in Shreveport.

A national expert of vaccine policy discusses the historic impact of vaccines on the health and well-being of children. 

Learn more about Dr. Joseph A. Bocchini, Jr., MD | Willis Knighton Health 

Food allergy prevalence seems to be on the rise. Living with a severe food allergy often feels like a constant game of high-stakes avoidance. But what if "just don't eat it" was no longer the only answer?
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Caroline Caperton, an allergist, immunologist and public health professional to demystify the rapidly evolving world of food allergy management. We move beyond the basics of anaphylaxis to explore how groundbreaking treatments like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and newly FDA-approved biologics like omalizumab (Xolair) are helping patients reach "food freedom." Whether you are a parent of a newly diagnosed child or an adult navigating life-long sensitivities, this episode provides the roadmap you need to discuss modern options with your allergist. 

Learn more about Caroline Caperton, MD, MSPH, FAAAAI, FACAAI 

Willis Knighton Health’s radiation oncology department is one of the nation’s leading centers for radiation therapy. Our department is one of only a handful of nationwide accredited by both the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) - a testament to our commitment to quality care. Willis Knighton Cancer Center is an international pioneer in proton therapy and nuclear oncology. 

Learn more about Dr. Lane R. Rosen, MD | Willis Knighton Health