I agree as to the paying off, JohnontheSunsetCoast, but it is not like going to a bank, meeting with a loan officer and consolidating one's debts or buying a house, etc. Yes, one does sign a paper at hospital, agreeing to all kinds of things, including being responsible for charges, but I still think of it as something other than a "loan." When one buys a house or car, they are assured of having said product for their use etc. If one has to have emergency surgery with an iffy chance of survival, they may not even be around to pay for the bill. I don't think it is worth parsing over, but that's the way I see it.

katpayingoffa$13,000hospitalbillfromwhenIhadnoinsurance&wasdeathlyillAND pleased to be here to do so!