[rcraft]

This is not common. Not sure why you feel so compelled to disagree with all the other posters regarding their headaches with healthcare billing/cost experiences throughout this thred. Odd.

I contacted multiple hospitals for cost estimates on a simple procedure (hours of phone calls) and only one would actually give me an "estimate." They went out of their way to explain that this was only an estimate and it could easily end up costing more than this due to a number of factors.

I really doubt any hospital will ever give you a committed price for any procedure. I would love to be proven wrong from any other posters :).

[WalterBright]

Get the estimate in writing and then compare it with your bill. If there are more charges, they'll need to explain how those are unforeseen factors, or you can legitimately refuse to pay for them.

You can also show the estimate to other hospitals - this will often loosen them up about quoting a price because they'll want the business.

[FireBeyond]

Uh, what? There is nothing binding about the estimate (unless you're in the auto repair industry), so you cannot "legitimately refuse to pay for it" unless they explain "how those are unforeseen factors".

Typically, indeed, you'll find wording to that exact effect. "This is only an estimate. Actual costs may differ."

[WalterBright]

Ask for a binding estimate.