[flagnog]

Here's a better idea: require all hospitals and Dr offices to publish fee schedules in a centralized location, allowing the customer to price-shop procedures. Then there would be downward pressure on prices, and you could plan in advance of elective procedures.

[BrandonY]

Operator, I'm having a heart attack! Please direct me to the nearest centralized location of the fee schedule, so that I might begin studying my options.

[Mindless2112]

There's no reason you couldn't compare costs before an emergency occurs. Not that you'd know off the top of your head which hospital is cheapest for any given procedure when you need it, but you could get a good general idea.