I had to check myself out against doctor's wishes after a serious heart incident. They kept sending doctor after doctor in to "consult"—each one adding a huge f

I had to check myself out against doctor's wishes after a serious heart incident. They kept sending doctor after doctor in to "consult"—each one adding a huge fee to the final bill. The hospital's "billing assistant" was NEVER available, after days. I became informed on additional tests they considered doing, and eventually arranged for related tests outside the hospital to determine if the tests they were going to do were necessary. They were not. Bill was just under $60,000, ~$8,000 deductible, paid the deducible in one lump sum and negotiated a 25% discount. A partner at a medical firm told me they are only paid 75%, so it made sense to him that I could negotiate a 25% discount.