Even where patient don't negotiate, insurance company could. I have seen itemized lists of hospital stay where band-aid or temperature measuring costed ridiculous money. Not everything costly is death vs life choice.
I think a lot would be much cheaper, if there would be better price transparency. The bad transparency is not so much about bad feeling of putting price on it, but also that it is profitable. The same entity that hides prices will turn you back if you are not insured without visible bad feeling.
Also, plenty of people are uninsured or under-insured and money they have to pay out of pocked hurt them. They postpone doctor visit till the last possible moment, they take half dosage etc.
I think a lot would be much cheaper, if there would be better price transparency. The bad transparency is not so much about bad feeling of putting price on it, but also that it is profitable. The same entity that hides prices will turn you back if you are not insured without visible bad feeling.
Also, plenty of people are uninsured or under-insured and money they have to pay out of pocked hurt them. They postpone doctor visit till the last possible moment, they take half dosage etc.