[sliverstorm]

I recently visited a sports doc, and had this exact experience. I had no way of figuring out what my cost would be, even for something as simple as a 15-minute consult, until the receptionist tallied the bill at the end of the visit. The only criteria I could use to pick a care provider were Google reviews, credentials, and a few weak "scores" my insurance company provides for each provider.

My experience did mirror another comment in the article- I rejected a speculative X-Ray from a nurse as I was pretty sure it was unnecessary and I was paying 100% out of pocket, which I realized at the moment was (in a way) the HDP at work. (The doc later agreed with my choice)