My last visit to a hospital it was requested I arrive 30 minutes early to "fill out paperwork". After arriving at the radiology department an office assistant t

My last visit to a hospital it was requested I arrive 30 minutes early to "fill out paperwork". After arriving at the radiology department an office assistant took me into a nearby room and had me sign consent forms and make payment on the spot. Anxious for my exam I signed everything and handed over my debit card. Later on I realized one of the forms cemented acceptance of the debt and guaranteed my full payment of it. If I chose to I would have very little ground to stand on disputing the costs ($800 for an ultrasound). Hospitals are for-profit entities that will optimize debt-collection and bargaining power over patients. They will start taking payment upfront as well as influencing patients to choose financing options that are in the best interest of the hospital and not the patient themselves. It's hard not to feel like the whole system is rotten.