The inspiration for this can be found here: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/29/800870904/a-41-212-surgery-bill-compounded-a-patients-appendicitis-pain.
WORKER FINDS HOSPITAL BEFORE APPENDIX BURSTS. TOTAL BILL: $41,212; OUT-OF-NETWORK HOSPITAL "NEGOTIATES" WITH INSURER.
BILL: $28,000; IS THIS "DEATH BY A THOUSAND SMALL CUTS?"