80 to 90% of the medical bills in the United States have mistakes, and it’s not in favor of the patient. It wasn’t until Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington, an internal medicine physician, and a health insurance executive, witnessed how her hospital roommate was taken advantage of financially that she knew, more than helping insurance companies, it is the patients that need her help the most. 

With the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies now enjoy a system that is significantly skewed in their favor, a system driven by profits, not by the health and well-being of their customers. Dr. Virgie agrees that we are trapped in this system, but can anything be done? As the founder of Crush Medical Debt, she advocates medical financial literacy and emphasizes the need to understand medical bills and insurance policies. Listen as she talks about the control insurance companies have over prices and costs, the importance of understanding CPT codes, and why you need to be aware of your healthcare rights to avoid being stuck in debt.

Quick Guide
01:21 Introduction
07:28 What happens at the back office
15:33 Not getting the full amount from insurance companies
22:00 From working for insurance providers to helping the patients
35:48 Balanced billing
48:40 The No Surprise Bill Act
52:25 Insurance companies win in the end
56:00 Closing and contacts

Get to know our guest
Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington is an internal medicine physician and medical billing expert. A dedicated patient advocate, Dr. Virgie practiced for more than 20 years in primary care and psychiatric settings and as a health insurance executive.

Dr. Virgie now helps patients understand complex medical procedures, communicate effectively with their healthcare providers, and avoid financial devastation from crushing medical bills through her "What Your Doctor Wants You to Know" series.

She is the author of "What Your Doctor Wants You to Know to CRUSH MEDICAL DEBT" and the host of the weekly "HEALTH, WELLNESS & MEDICAL BILLS" show on the VoiceAmerica radio network.

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