The Healthcare Liberty Lab Podcast

In our latest episode of The Healthcare Liberty Lab, we bring you a conversation between Andy Schoonover, CEO of CrowdHealth, and Cori Zavada, an ERISA Attorney and healthcare insider who's made it her mission to help patients and employers navigate hospital billing practices and empower them throughout the process.

Cori is the Founder and CEO of both Fiduciary Risk Management and VezaHealth, bringing years of expertise in medical billing negotiations, self-funded healthcare solutions, and patient advocacy. Her work has helped countless individuals and businesses navigate the often murky waters of healthcare costs.

What You'll Learn

This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice, diving deep into actionable strategies that can potentially save you thousands of dollars when facing medical bills. Cori reveals:

* Step-by-step tactics for negotiating hospital bills that billing departments don't want you to know

* Why second opinions aren't just medically important but can be financially crucial

* Emergency room billing secrets and how to protect yourself from the most common overcharges

* Financial assistance programs you might qualify for but are rarely told about

The Hidden Crisis in Healthcare Billing

As Cori explains, the current healthcare system has created an environment where patients are often at the mercy of opaque billing practices. Many Americans are just one medical emergency away from financial hardship, not because healthcare itself is inherently expensive, but because of systematic inefficiencies and profit-seeking behaviors that have been normalized.

Most patients don't realize they have options when they receive a bill. The system is designed to make you feel powerless, but you're not.

Key Insights

The Power of Independent Doctors

Around the 21-minute mark, Cori and Andy highlight how independent physicians often provide better care at lower costs than hospital-employed doctors because they have the time and flexibility to do so. This isn't just about saving money—it's about receiving more personalized care from practitioners who aren't constrained by corporate quotas and metrics.

Emergency Room Navigation

One of the most valuable segments begins at 29 minutes, where Andy breaks down emergency room billing practices. Cori provides insight into why ERs might be offering ‘deals’ and billing the way they do and clear guidelines on how to decide what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Self-Funded Health Plans Explained

For those interested in understanding healthcare financing models, the segment starting at 44:16 offers a comprehensive explanation of how self-funded plans work and why they're gaining popularity among both employers and individuals seeking healthcare freedom.

Taking Back Control

Perhaps the most inspiring part of the conversation comes from Cori's personal story 49:43 minutes, which demonstrates how informed patients can better navigate care in alignment with their own values.

Next Steps

If you've ever received a medical bill that terrified you, or if you simply want to become a more empowered healthcare consumer, this episode provides the roadmap you need.

Want to experience healthcare differently? CrowdHealth is changing the game by creating a community-based alternative to traditional health insurance. Visit joincrowdhealth.com and use code HCLL to try it for just $99/month for your first 3 months.

Watch the Full Episode

For the complete conversation and all of Cori's insights, listen-in wherever you consume podcasts, watch the full episode here or subscribe to The Healthcare Liberty Lab on YouTube.

Until next time,

Tiffany

* Never medical or financial advice.

Have you successfully negotiated a medical bill? Share your experience in the comments.

The Healthcare Liberty Lab is committed to helping you navigate a system that often feels designed to confuse and overwhelm. Subscribe for weekly insights that put you back in control of your healthcare decisions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehealthcarelibertylab.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit signalandnoise.online/subscribe

New episode of The Healthcare Liberty Lab featuring Dr. Philip Ovadia

Most Americans are headed towards chronic disease—and they don't even know it. Are you one of them?

In this eye-opening episode, Andy Schoonover, CEO of CrowdHealth, dives deep into metabolic health with Dr. Philip Ovadia, a board-certified cardiac surgeon, author of "Stay Off My Operating Table," and founder of Ovadia Heart Health.

The Shocking Reality

Only 12% of Americans meet the criteria for metabolic health. The rest are on the fast track to chronic disease. But there's good news: you don't need a prescription to fix it.

Dr. Ovadia explains the real root causes of disease, why mainstream nutrition advice is failing us, and how you can regain control through simple, science-backed strategies.

What You'll Learn:

* Why insulin resistance is the true driver of chronic disease

* The biggest nutrition myths we've been told (and their impact on your health)

* How the food pyramid and ultra-processed foods set us up for failure

* The truth about cholesterol, statins, and what really matters for heart health

* Simple, practical steps to improve your metabolic health—starting today

Episode Highlights:

* 00:00 – Introduction

* 01:00 – Dr. Ovadia's "why" behind his work

* 05:00 – Understanding insulin resistance: the overlooked epidemic

* 11:23 – Key takeaways from "Stay Off My Operating Table"

* 15:44 – How to assess your own metabolic health

* 21:26 – The flaws in government nutrition guidelines

* 26:47 – Hidden dangers of processed foods

* 28:01 – Debunking myths about low-carb diets

* 35:21 – Insulin: friend or foe to your body?

* 40:50 – The problem with American food processing

* 42:57 – Best foods for metabolic health

* 45:15 – The surprising connection between financial decisions and metabolic health

* 48:12 – Keto alternatives and sweeteners: what you should know

* 51:53 – Andy Schoonover's lab results analysis

* 58:12 – The real determinants of metabolic health

* 59:30 – Understanding cholesterol numbers

* 1:01:53 – Does genetics determine your metabolic health?

* 1:04:50 – Dr. Ovadia's personal health transformation

* 1:07:40 – Final takeaways and action steps

Connect & Take Action:

* Follow Dr. Ovadia: @ifixhearts on X, Instagram, LinkedIn

* Follow CrowdHealth: @joincrowdhealth on X, Instagram, LinkedIn

* Take control of your health with CrowdHealth: Visit joincrowdhealth.com and use promo code: HCLL for your first 3 months at up to $99/month

About The Healthcare Liberty Lab

Challenging the status quo in healthcare and empowering people to take back control of their health and finances. Hosted by Tiffany Ryder, Emergency Medicine PA, and sponsored by CrowdHealth.

🎧 Listen, Subscribe & Share

* Follow The Healthcare Liberty Lab on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube

* Leave a review if you found this episode valuable!

* Share with someone who needs to hear this!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehealthcarelibertylab.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit signalandnoise.online/subscribe

Hey, hey!

This week I'm excited to share my recent conversation with Dr. Mark Testa. Mark is a clinician with over 30 years of experience spanning acupuncture, chiropractic care and orthopedics. Listen in as we explore functional medicine, regenerative treatments and practical strategies for navigating the complex healthcare landscape.

___

Most of us have grown accustomed to a healthcare system that treats symptoms rather than root causes, but Mark explained how functional medicine takes a fundamentally different approach:

"Traditional medicine excels at addressing acute conditions—broken bones, infections, emergencies—but often falls short with chronic issues. Functional medicine looks at the body as an interconnected system rather than isolated symptoms."

This perspective shift is critical.

When dealing with persistent health challenges, looking at the whole picture—including nutrition, stress, sleep patterns, and environmental factors—often reveals connections that standard medical tests miss.

Quality Healthcare: How to Identify It

Mark outlined several key indicators to help you assess whether you're receiving optimal care:

1. Does your provider take time to listen? Quality care begins with thorough understanding

2. Are treatment plans personalized? Cookie-cutter approaches rarely address complex health issues

3. Is prevention emphasized alongside treatment? The best healthcare prevents problems before they start

4. Do they explain the 'why' behind recommendations? Understanding builds compliance and partnership

And of course, a discussion on affordability.

In perhaps the most actionable portion of our discussion, Testa offered concrete strategies for managing healthcare costs.

The cash-pay approach often delivers better value.

Without insurance administrative overhead, providers can offer more personalized care at surprisingly competitive prices.

So don’t forget to negotiate.

"Most patients don't realize that medical bills are highly negotiable. The sticker price is rarely the final price if you know how to ask."

Tactics That Work

* At time of care: Inquire about cash discounts (often 20-40% lower)

* At time of billing: Always ask for itemized bills and remember you can request payment plans without interest.

If there's one thing to remember from this note, it's this:

Being passive about your health means surrendering control. The most powerful position is as an informed advocate who partners with healthcare providers rather than simply following instructions without understanding them.

Have questions about functional medicine approaches or experiences negotiating medical costs?

Reply to this email or join the discussion in the comments section. Your insights help our community grow.

Until next time,

Tiffany 🧡

P.S. If you found this valuable, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit from taking greater control of their healthcare journey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehealthcarelibertylab.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit signalandnoise.online/subscribe

"Patient-centered care" echoes through the halls of healthcare institutions.

But what happens when the people controlling drug pricing—the Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)—operate in ways that seem to contradict that mission?

Dr. Kristin Speer, a PharmD and board-certified pharmacist, spent years inside the PBM industry, working as a consulting clinician.

Her first job?

Providing patient-specific pharmacotherapy recommendations to patients needing end of life care. It was rewarding.

But after switching roles to a position that supported 'benefits' administration, she began to see the cracks: misaligned incentives, opaque pricing structures, and a system that often prioritizes middlemen over patients and pharmacists. She made a bold move.

She left her career to expose the truth through documentary filmmaking.

As a writer, storyteller and filmmaker of Harmacy, Kristin pulls back the curtain on all things pharmacy.

💡 If you’ve ever wondered why your prescriptions cost what they do, this episode is a must-watch.

🔔 Subscribe for more content exposing the healthcare system’s biggest issues—and how we can change it.

Check out Harmacy at https://harmacyfilm.com/

Thanks for listening.

Never medical advice

- Tiffany

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehealthcarelibertylab.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit signalandnoise.online/subscribe

In Memory of Marshall Allen (1966-2024)

This conversation, recorded before Marshall's passing in May 2024, demonstrates exactly why his work matters. While most healthcare journalists chase headlines, Marshall did something different: he gave patients the actual tools to fight back against billing fraud.

In this discussion with CrowdHealth's Andy Schoonover, Marshall breaks down how hospitals systematically exploit patients - and more importantly, how to stop it.

What You'll Learn:

- The mechanics of hospital overcharging

- Why medical bills are negotiable (and how to do it)

- When to use small claims court (it works better than you think)

The Playbook:

- Never pay the first bill - it's almost always wrong

- How to negotiate from a position of strength

- When and how to use legal action effectively

- The power of cash pay in breaking the insurance game

In This Episode:

00:00 Welcome to the Healthcare Liberty Lab

01:35 Introducing Marshall Allen

05:07 The Power of Negotiation

10:01 Real Stories of Healthcare Savings

20:14 Legal Precedents and Patient Rights

25:25 Insurance and Payment Challenges

26:18 Medicare Myths and Hospital Finances

27:01 Healthcare Cost Inefficiencies

28:27 Fighting Unfair Medical Bills

31:13 Navigating Small Claims Court

39:27 Financial Assistance and Resources

44:07 Empowering Change in Healthcare

Marshall's Legacy Lives On Through:

MarshallAllen.com

Marshallallen.substack.com

AllenHealthAcademy.com

MarshallAllenProject.org

"Never Pay the First Bill"

Marshall showed us that healthcare reform isn't just about policy - it's about patients knowing how to defend themselves right now.

This episode gives you the tools to do exactly that.

Check out @joincrowdhealth across platforms.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehealthcarelibertylab.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit signalandnoise.online/subscribe

This week, I sit down with Celebrity Trainer Durrell Finch to discuss a hard truth: The healthcare system isn’t designed for health—it’s designed for profit.

In this episode we break down:

✔️ The Ozempic & Monjaro hype—who benefits, who risks harm

✔️ Why Direct Primary Care (DPC) might be the only way forward

✔️ The hidden incentives driving unnecessary treatments

✔️ How to cut medication costs without sacrificing quality care

✔️ What fitness professionals know that doctors don’t (but should)

If you care about real healthcare reform, patient autonomy, and cutting through the noise, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Please note the following correction: A1C Levels of 5.7-6.4 are more consistent with prediabetes and levels > 6.4 are usually consistent with diabetes

📌 Full Episode Roadmap:

* 00:00 – Rethinking Healthcare

* 02:02 – The Scottsdale Fitness Scene

* 04:48 – Understanding GLP-1 Medications

* 15:08 – The Dark Side of Cash Pay Medicine

* 33:37 – The Cost of Medication and Ancillary Needs

* 37:04 – Patient Perspective on the Healthcare System

* 38:51 – Actionable Steps to Take Control of Your Health

* 47:44 – The Role of Trainers, Dieticians and Other Professionals

* 56:41 – Medical Trade Organizations, Government Policies and Public Health

* 01:01:48 – Take Ownership. How Personal Responsibility Is The Path To Freedom.

🔥 If you found this episode useful please share —because informed patients make better decisions. Also available on YouTube.

– Tiffany

The Healthcare Liberty Lab is proudly presented by CrowdHealth.

*This should NEVER be considered personal medical advice (I know. you know)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehealthcarelibertylab.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit signalandnoise.online/subscribe

At 16 years old, Justin weighed 799 pounds. Doctors gave him no real solutions. The world told him change was impossible.

Today? He’s down over 600 pounds—without surgery, without shortcuts, just relentless discipline and a total mindset shift.

In this episode, we dive into his incredible transformation, including:

✅ The brutal reality of food addiction and breaking free

✅ Why environment is more powerful than willpower

✅ The hidden risks of quick fixes like GLP-1 injections

✅ How faith, discipline, and personal responsibility changed everything

This isn’t just another weight loss story—it’s a blueprint for taking back control of your life.

No more excuses. No more waiting. Listen now.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehealthcarelibertylab.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit signalandnoise.online/subscribe

Hey Everyone!

I’m Tiffany Ryder - Emergency Medicine PA, Mom of 2 & Patient Advocate!

Join me and expert guests as we break down barriers in healthcare.

Backed by CrowdHealth, we challenge the system, spotlight hidden truths, and arm you with insider knowledge to make your own decisions with clarity and confidence.

Subscribe for unfiltered conversations that put you back in control.

Tiffany 🧡

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehealthcarelibertylab.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit signalandnoise.online/subscribe