Also

Many credit agencies might try to “help” you but be very careful before taking the bait. Do good research on the firms if you plan to go that route. Know also your rights if creditors begin to harass you (they can’t).

One good idea might be to write a letter to the credit agency and the hospital both and ask for reduction of payment to whatever you can afford. This works sometimes.

As for you question regarding the information staying in your credit card: 7 years.