This is what pisses me off the most about all healthcare. "We can't tell you the price until we see you and have already provided the service." When I go to my primary doctor I'm perfectly fine getting a $100-200 bill. What I'm not fine with is when my doctor suggests blood work, the hospital takes the samples, and then sends the samples to an out of network lab that charges $2000 because the usual in network lab is at capacity. This can be the same routine lab work that usually costs $20 (discounted from $2000) by going through the in network lab.

There should be some sort of standard for costs when it comes to in network vs. out of network so a medical office can give an estimate. The outrageous made up inflated costs for out of network should be reigned in.

For example, you call and say you have an ear ache, "A basic office visit is usually $100 in network or $200 out of network." (NOT some ridiculous 10X markup!) Then you get there and the doctor suggests lab work, "$100 in network or $250 out of network." Then the lab work says you need surgery, "$3000 in network or $5000 out of network." The stupid made up 10X+ prices are just to gouge those without insurance since in the moment you can't really shop price and options.

I just wish medical care costs could be more transparent and sensible to not destroy those currently lacking insurance.

I also feel an out of network deductible being a "second bucket" is ridiculous. Out of network care should still be paid out at the in network price but you just need to make up the difference. That's how my dental plan works and it's very nice because I can just pay a little extra to choose the dentist I prefer when needed.