Elisabeth Rosenthal’s An American Sickness incisively critiques the U.S. healthcare system, highlighting inefficiencies and profit-driven practices. Readers find it thoroughly researched and informative, though some feel overwhelmed by medical jargon. The actionable recommendations are praised, yet the complexity of the subject may deter general audiences.

Readers who appreciate investigative journalism and insights into systemic issues would enjoy An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal. Fans of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and Bad Blood by John Carreyrou will find Rosenthal's exposé of the U.S. healthcare system equally compelling.

An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal critiques the American healthcare system, analyzing its history, the exploitation of patients by insurance companies, hospitals, pharma, and medical industries, and offering solutions for patients to navigate and reform the system, blending testimonials from diverse stakeholders. The book discusses catastrophic experiences with the healthcare industry and complex billing practices.

Informative / Unnerving / Challenging / Contemplative

Elisabeth Rosenthal

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore An American Sickness and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

An American Sickness Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “History of the Present Illness and Review of Symptoms”

Introduction and Part 1, Chapters 1-3

An American Sickness Introduction and Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

An American Sickness Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-9

An American Sickness Part 1, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 10-11

An American Sickness Part 1, Chapters 10-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Diagnosis and Treatment: Prescriptions for Taking Back Our Healthcare”

Part 2, Chapters 12-15

An American Sickness Part 2, Chapters 12-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 16-18

An American Sickness Part 2, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue and Afterword

An American Sickness Epilogue and Afterword Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

An American Sickness Key Figures

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Themes

An American Sickness Themes

Index of Terms

An American Sickness Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

An American Sickness Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

An American Sickness Essay Topics

An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read An American Sickness?

Reading Age

Book Details