Based on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule & CMS fair price benchmarks  ·  Not legal or medical advice
Patient Advocacy Blog

Know your rights. Fight your bill.

Practical, no-nonsense guidance on understanding medical billing, exercising your patient rights, and negotiating smarter with hospitals and insurers.

Billing Basics
June 10, 2025 · 6 min read

How to Read Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) — And Why It Matters

Your EOB is not a bill — but it contains everything you need to verify that your insurer paid correctly and that your provider coded your visit accurately. Here's how to decode it line by line before you pay a single dollar.

EOB Insurance CPT Codes
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Federal Law
May 28, 2025 · 8 min read

Understanding the No Surprises Act: What It Covers and What It Doesn't

The No Surprises Act, which took effect in January 2022, was a landmark step toward protecting patients from unexpected out-of-network bills. But there are important gaps. We break down exactly what's covered, what scenarios still leave you exposed, and how to invoke your rights if a provider violates the law.

No Surprises Act Out-of-Network Federal Law
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Negotiation
May 14, 2025 · 7 min read

Top 5 Strategies for Negotiating a Lower Hospital Bill — Before You Pay

Most Americans don't realize that hospital bills are negotiable — and that the list price on your statement is rarely what you have to pay. From requesting an itemized bill to citing CMS reference pricing, these five proven tactics can significantly reduce what you owe.

Negotiation Hospital Bills CMS Pricing
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More articles coming soon
We publish new patient advocacy guides every two weeks. Topics include Medicare appeals, balance billing, and more.
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