ShowBizzBuzz: Jerry Topitzer Prescribes Original Web Series “Upcode”
ShowBizzBuzz = Entertainment News…here’s the latest:
Who is Buzzworthy?
Actor and Creator Jerry Topitzer releases his award-winning original dark comedy web series, Upcode. Streaming now on his YouTube channel, Jerry stars as a doctor struggling to play-by-the-rules in a healthcare system that encourages dishonesty.
What is the premise of Upcode?
The series is described as: centering around Dr. Fritz (Topitzer), a brilliant and by-the-book doctor forced to consider medical fraud in order to save his practice from being destroyed by a heartless insurance company. Dr. Fritz is forced to navigate insanely complicated billing rules in order to be paid by the callous insurance company, Amalgamated Health. With time running out, Dr. Fritz self-prescribes upcoding — in order to save his drowning practice, rescue his bumbling staff, and continue curing his ailing patients.
“Upcoding” is when a doctor claims their patient has an overly complex diagnosis in order to get paid more. But, when this “playing the insurance game” results in potentially deadly side-effects and a State investigation, Dr. Fritz discovers his confidence and integrity could be lost forever.
What else do we know about Upcode?
It started as a huge hit on the festival circuit earning top awards at Vancouver Independent Film Festival, Tokyo International Short FF, Roma International Short FF, and Seoul International Short FF. The series was also an official selection at JellyFest, Portland Comedy FF, Golden Door FF, Dances with Films FF, Montreal Independent FF and the Venice Shorts Festival.
Why did Jerry Topitzer want to make this web series?
While growing up helping out as a part-time billing clerk for his father’s psychology practice, Jerry encountered insurance company practices that would delay and even deny valid payments. Now, the situation has only gotten worse over the years. Jerry explains, “Upcode punches into a root cause of why the system is broken. Because doctors contort themselves to insurance companies’ rules in order to get paid, we end up in a situation where doctors are incentivized to over-diagnose, over-prescribe, spend less time, and over-bill us all as patients.”
Who else was involved with making “Upcode”?
Jerry turned to real doctors, nurses and medical coding experts to consult on the series. Behind the scenes, he brought in co-writer Greg Fortier (Austin FF ‘Best Screenplay’ winner, SeriesFest ‘Best TV Pilot’ winner), and indie director Drue Pennella.
Rounding out the cast are Brian Dole (Boys in the Band), Ruby Lewis (Cirque de Soleil, Desperate Housewives), Gisela Adisa (Sister Act, Beautiful), Bret Shuford (Wicked), Aaron Dalla Villa (Alpha Rift) Chris Daftsios (Law & Order SVU), and Julia Register (Star Trek- Lower Deck).
What is Jerry Topitzer’s background?
Based in New York, Jerry had a successful investment banker career for 18 years, while also performing improv and following his passion. He made a change five years ago, becoming a full-time actor-creator. His recently produced and starring in the IFC Midnight feature film thriller, Centigrade.
Where can you watch Upcode?
On YouTube at: https://youtu.be/ib5saRuEV50
