Never Pay the First Bill

And Other Ways to Fight the Health Care System and Win

By: Marshall Allen

Narrated by: Marshall Allen

Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

From award-winning ProPublica reporter Marshall Allen, a primer for anyone who wants to fight the predatory health-care system - and win.

Every year, millions of Americans are overcharged and underserved while the health-care industry makes record profits. We know something is wrong, but the layers of bureaucracy designed to discourage complaints make pushing back seem impossible. At least, this is what the health-care power players want you to think.

Never Pay the First Bill is the guerilla guide to health care the American people and employers need. Drawing on 15 years of investigating the health-care industry, reporter Marshall Allen shows how companies and individuals have managed to force medical providers to play fair and shows how you can, too. He reveals the industry's pressure points and how companies and individuals have fought overbilling, price gouging, insurance denials, and more to get the care they deserve. Laying out a practical plan for protecting yourself against the system's predatory practices, Allen offers the inspiration you need and tried-and-true strategies such as:

• Analyze and contest your medical bills, so you don't pay more than you should
• Obtain the billing codes for a procedure in advance
• Write in an appropriate treatment clause before signing financial documents
• Get your way by suing in small claims court

Few politicians and CEOs have been willing to stand up to the medical industry. It is up to the American people to equip ourselves to fight back for the sake of our families - and everyone else.

This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF that contains sample letters, advice, and more resources from the printed book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Marshall Allen (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Superbly written

probably one of the most comprehensive easy to understand and informative books on the topic of how we are being raped by the healthcare system. Marshall Allen has done a tremendous service to those battling high health insurance costs hospital costs. This is a must read for those Going through a difficult time in healthcare.

Must Read

If you want to save $ on medical bills? Listen/read this is an essential book!

If ever there was a book every American should read, this is it!

“Shocked” is the best way to describe how I felt listening to this. As a healthcare provider I’m shocked how we are cheating patients; as a patient I’m shocked how much I’m being cheated. You always hear how twisted the healthcare system can be, but finally there are easy to understand steps to take thanks to this book! It really should be required reading for anyone in the US. I found it so insightful I couldn’t stop excitedly reciting facts to my wife (I’m sure it drove her nuts) and I had to purchase the hardcover so I can take notes. Oddly, I’m now looking forward to my next medical bill so I can put some of these tips into practice.

Thank you for writing this!

On the technical sides for the audio, it was perfect all around.

have you ever wanted to reduce your medical bill

this book gives step by step instructions on how to minimize your health care costs and how to fight billing errors effectively. read with a notebook ready to write down action steps. great insight for business owners to reduce the costs of health care for your workforce as well

Prepare for emergencies ahead of time!

Amazing! I will need to get myself a hard copy so that I can easily take notes and reference various pieces, just in case I have some emergency and wind up needing it. I highly reccomend!!!


This gives incredibly useful breakdowns of where the medical system goes wrong and how to stand up for yourself

Saved me $300 and my sanity

this book was well written, wonderfully paced, and engaging. it saved me hundreds of dollars and explain things in a way to where it was simple enough for me to understand but not too simple to wear but like I was being talked down to.

Marshall gives you the tools to understand the system and protect yourself.

Must Listen

This book walks you through the realities of the American healthcare system in a way that helps the average consumer understand, advocate and fight for their interests.

Every American (and interested internationals) will learn an enormous amount about the healthcare system in the process.

Saved me thousands of dollars

Had a difficult claim experience with my insurance provider where the bill for lab work was being treated as out of network even though I was going to an in-network facility. Used Marshall's techniques and templates to successfully communicate my case and get a resolution saving me thousands of dollars in fees.

Comprehensive Guide To Not Getting F***d by Bills

I've been waiting for this book for months and it did not disappoint. It's a deep dive into the world of insurance, healthcare, medical billing, codes, negotiation hacks, and everything you need to navigate that world. I've successfully corrected some minor medical billing errors using the knowledge gained from this book, and feel confident armed with the knowhow to keep myself from getting screwed if and when I have big, or emergency, medical costs.
This book was extremely practical, but if you want a deeper dive on the history of how we got here, I recommend An American Sickness by Elizabeth Rosenthal. Cheers.

outstanding!

Written so clearly to the average consumer. Great words of wisdom at the end, wr have nothing to lose by standing up to the Goliaths!