When you have to pay all or part of a hospital bill, you can negotiate the amount. 

According to a Harris Interactive poll, more than sixty percent of people who negotiate their medical bills get a discount. Hospitals and doctors are willing to negotiate because their retail rates bear little relation to the cost of providing care -- typical markups range from 200 to 600 percent.  When it comes to procedures that are not covered, let your doctor know that you want the lowest price because you are paying. 

If you are going to do the negotiating:

• Step 1. Do your homework
• Step 2. Find out who the decision maker is.
• Step 3. Consider the timing.
• Step 4. Think about what to say to convince the creditor to say "yes"