Who does one negotiate the medical costs/fees with? And when is the right time to discuss it?

In the past week I visited two different doctors to be diagnosed with a hernia. Today I had my 2nd appointment. I thought I would pay 0 for my consult and the doctor would answer my concerns. Turns out it did not go anything like that. I spent a max of no more than 3 minutes with the doctor. I tried to squeeze out as many questions as I could, but before I could ask anymore questions, he walked me back to the front desk and left me to the nurse to schedule a surgery date with me.

Wasn't I suppose to discuss the fees with the doctor and not the nurse?
Does she decides whether the costs can be reduce?
Am I suppose to ask her the questions and let her relay the question over to the doctor?

I'm planning to seek another doctor because this doctor only repair hernias the old traditional way which has a high recurrence rate.

Anyone who can shed some light on this subject would be great.

Please help me be more prepared for my next appointment.
I don't have insurance.
Mary,

You definitely got more than i did from my appointment. I didn't even get an explanation of what he was going to do for me. All he did was checked me and said "Yes, you do have a hernia." Then he proceed to the sink to wash his hands. After the water stopped running I asked him he gave me a little pamphlet and said, "read this, this is what you are going to need." Then he opened the door and walked me out to the front desk. He told the nurse to schedule me for surgery and walked off quietly. He didn't even mention anything about fees or the procedure to me.

I mean wouldn't it be proper for him to sit down behind close doors with me and discuss what will be required in the procedure?

I'm not sure if this is how its suppose to work? Who am I suppose to be discussing it with? The doctor or the nurse? Do all doctors try to avoid these questions?

View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/who-does-one-negotiate-the-medical-costsfees-with-and-when-is-the-right-time-to-discuss-it