[xylophone]

I agree. I would say the only reason providers are not cost estimating is because they don't need to in order to get business.

For automotive I'm typically getting a problem diagnosed first, then after diagnosis, I'm agreeing to a price for a fix. This is the norm for that industry.

For a walk in appointment for a rash, I'm agreeing to a fixed visit fee, PLUS signing that I agree to pay any charges my insurance does not agree to pay. The true costs can (and should) be computed by the provider, so the only true unknown in that equation is what Insurance will cover. THEN the provider (wanting to cover their bases) is putting that risk of not getting paid by insurance, back onto the patient.

I like to think we're 1 killer app away from a shift in consumer behavior here to change the expectations

[pkaye]

I'm in the Kaiser Permanente system in California where the hospital and insurance are one entity. Since everything is pre-negotiated, most times its just the copay. So under my plan, for example $20 for primary physician visit, $40 for specialist visit, $20 for blood test visit and $100 for emergency visit. Having one entity involved simplifies things.

[pblcprvscrt]

Kaiser utilizes the Experian program.