> The idea that this is a free market system is patently false The cost is not $19k , it is whatever the billing department decides to surprise the patient with

> The idea that this is a free market system is patently false The cost is not $19k , it is whatever the billing department decides to surprise the patient with. Totally agree. And even if the billing department could tell you the price, which they can’t, is the dad supposed to call around for quotes while the kid bleeds?