Car mechanics are perfectly fine giving estimates, explaining possible complications and contingencies, working on a time and materials basis, and even doing we

Car mechanics are perfectly fine giving estimates, explaining possible complications and contingencies, working on a time and materials basis, and even doing well-defined services on flat fees despite the long tail of things that can go wrong. The reason medical providers don't know is because they don't care to know. Their systems are purposefully complex so their computers can do battle with the "insurance" company computers. And when you try to ask a doctor this highly relevant question, they condescendingly feign as if money shouldn't matter despite it being the foremost thing in many people's minds.