You might want to reconsider. Last year, my husband developed severe torso pain and decompensated in the doctor’s office (shock symptoms.) He was hospitalized immediately, and imaging indicated kidney stones. He received IV fluid and antibiotics overnight, as well as pain medication. The next morning, he was well enough to be discharged.
The bill was $12,000.
What people don’t realize is that Medicare and insurance drive the cost of medical care upwards, since providers receive a smaller amount than their billing indicates. I guess they have experienced that, if they charge less, the insurance companies will pay less, and the patients will have to pay the remainder, so it’s better that they get paid more.