An American Sickness

An American Sickness documents how the U.S. healthcare system transformed from a public service into a profit-driven industry. Elisabeth Rosenthal, a medical journalist and former physician, presents research and case studies to trace this evolution over the past 25 years. The book breaks down healthcare costs into their components - hospitals, insurance, medications, medical devices, and more. Through interviews and investigations, Rosenthal reveals the pricing strategies and business practices that drive up costs in each sector. Beyond diagnosis, An American Sickness offers solutions and specific guidance for navigating the healthcare system. The work includes practical advice for patients dealing with medical bills and insurance claims. This examination of America's healthcare crisis highlights the tension between medical ethics and market forces. The book serves as both an exposé of systemic problems and a call for reform of the nation's approach to medicine and patient care.

Readers describe this book as an eye-opening investigation into healthcare costs, backed by detailed research and Rosenthal's medical expertise. Many cite the clear explanations of complex billing practices and step-by-step guidance for navigating medical expenses. Readers appreciated: - Specific examples of price inflation - Practical advice for reducing medical bills - Clear breakdown of industry stakeholders - Historical context for current problems Common criticisms: - Heavy focus on problems vs solutions - Repetitive examples - Dense technical sections - Limited coverage of successful healthcare models Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,400+ ratings) Reader quote: "This book armed me with knowledge to challenge unfair billing practices at my local hospital and save thousands." - Amazon reviewer Critics note: "The solutions chapter feels rushed compared to the thorough problem analysis" - Goodreads reviewer

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🏥 Elisabeth Rosenthal spent 22 years as a physician before becoming a journalist, giving her unique insight into both the medical and business aspects of healthcare. 💉 The book reveals that American hospitals often mark up prescription drugs by 100-1000%, with some medications costing patients up to 100 times more than their actual price. 📊 When the book was published in 2017, Americans spent $3.2 trillion on healthcare annually, which was nearly 18% of the country's GDP—far more than any other developed nation. 🗂️ The author created a practical toolkit at the end of each chapter, providing specific strategies for patients to combat excessive medical costs and navigate the healthcare system. 🏢 Research for the book uncovered that some hospitals maintain multiple price lists for identical procedures, charging different amounts based on the patient's insurance status or payment method.