Independent audits estimate 49-80% of hospital bills contain at least one error, and a 2024 JAMA-published study found ~62% of people who formally asked for a reduction got one. Most people just pay – there’s no easy way to check.

This Google Sheets workbook (delivered as a “make a copy” link, no software to install) walks you through it:

• Itemized Bill Audit tab – enter each line item as billed; built-in formulas flag anything priced way above a benchmark rate you look up (free official tool linked inside), and flag duplicate charges
• Negotiation Scripts tab – ready-to-adapt scripts for 4 scenarios: ER/urgent care, ambulance, out-of-network surprise bills (cites the federal No Surprises Act), and collections
• Correspondence & Deadline Tracker tab – log every call/email so nothing falls through
• Resources tab – links to the official CMS fee-schedule tool and No Surprises Act complaint process

Comes pre-loaded with a worked example.

What this isn’t: not legal, medical, or financial advice, and it doesn’t guarantee an outcome. It’s a self-help tool, not a done-for-you service – you do the calling. Full-service alternatives exist starting around $79/bill; this is the toolkit for doing it yourself.