I agree in part, but the workflow of "this is what's wrong with you, this is what we charge, this is what insurance pays, and this is what you pay" seems exactl

I agree in part, but the workflow of "this is what's wrong with you, this is what we charge, this is what insurance pays, and this is what you pay" seems exactly the same, even if what's covered and the reimbursement rates are very different. My main point is that I've never been to a doctor where I've had to schedule a followup appointment and been presented with a itemized invoice (and the dentist's office can usually prepare it in under 5 minutes).