Nurse | Certified Professional Coder (CPC) | Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) | Healthcare Advocate

Laura Madad is a healthcare expert, registered nurse, and certified medical auditor dedicated to helping immigrants, international students, and visitors navigate the complex U.S. healthcare system. With expertise in both clinical nursing and medical billing, she offers a unique perspective on how healthcare functions—from the bedside to the billing office.

A Dual Perspective: Clinical & Coding Expertise

After earning degrees in Family Psychology and Nursing, Laura worked in Level 1 and Level 2 trauma centers, gaining hands-on experience in:

• Intensive Care Units (ICU)
• Pediatrics
• Medical-Surgical Nursing

Through her hospital experience, she saw firsthand how language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of knowledge left many patients—especially immigrants and non-native English speakers—struggling to access quality care and avoid overpaying for medical services.

Wanting to bridge this gap, Laura transitioned to medical auditing for a major health insurance company, where she reviewed hospital bills to ensure accuracy, prevent fraudulent billing, and advocate for fair patient charges. She holds credentials as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and a Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA), specializing in insurance claims, healthcare fraud prevention, and patient advocacy.

Empowering Patients Through Education

Laura founded Health Tour Guide to provide practical, easy-to-understand guidance on navigating the U.S. healthcare system. Her work helps:

• Immigrants and refugees avoid medical scams and unnecessary charges.
• International students and expats understand their health insurance options.
• Visitors to the U.S. access affordable, high-quality medical care.

Her book, The International Guide to U.S. Healthcare, serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone unfamiliar with the American healthcare system, offering clear explanations, actionable strategies, and insider tips to help patients make informed decisions.