Talking Down Medical Costs

It would never occur to most people, but it turns out that doctors, labs and hospitals are willing to negotiate. And in fact, surveys show that when people try to bring down their out-of-pocket medical costs, they are successful 70 percent of the time.
Dr. Jeff Rice helps companies negotiate healthcare costs and has also launched the healthcare bluebook, which lets consumers get an idea of how much a medical procedure could cost. In one case, Dr. Rice was able to bring a $37,000 fee for a hospital down to just $1,500.
He tells how he did it and offers advice to others on how to negotiate.

Healthcare Haggling Audio Embed: BBC, PRI & WBUR's Here & Now 10/19/10, Host: Robin Young.