Aaron,
Like bossy said they are generally easy to work with and let you make smaller payments.
In Pennsylvania we have programs that will help pay medical bills, we have I-care and Hilburton, what state are you from? Have you done any research to see if there are companies out there that will help you pay medical debt. I know it is on a needs based basis. If you need help doing this, maybe I can help you get in the right direction, like getting the Pa information via the web and then maybe there is a connection to your state somehow. Worth a shot. Please post your state and I will see what I can find out for you.