It’s been said that in a recession, the price of everything is negotiable. That includes medical bills, but many patients feel squeamish talking money with their doctor.

A New York Times story assures readers that doctors, hospital and labs are used to negotiating, since they do it constantly with insurers. A single procedure may have a dozen different price tags, depending on whether the patient, a private insurer or Medicare is picking up the tab. And neither party wants to deal with bill collectors, which costs time and money.

By negotiating your bill, you may be able to get 10 to 30% off the doctor’s bill, or even more for a specialist, the Times reports. Paying cash upfront may earn you a small discount, too, since unpaid bills are a hassle for doctors who constantly fight with insurers over reimbursements.

If you have an upcoming procedure or surgery but don’t have insurance, or want to avoid a high hospital co-payment, the key phrase to broach the subject of cost with your doctor is: “I’d like to pay the lowest rate you give an insurance company.”

If you’re hoping to reduce a heavy medical debt that’s already been billed, it may be helpful to find out what Medicare, which pays less than private insurers, would pay for your procedure. You can find out by visiting the Department of Health and Human Services database. Then use what Medicare would pay as your opening offer in the negotiations.