This is actually quite ridiculous. In my depiction, I would see like a McDonalds menu of procedures with their prices and the amount I would have to pay, all while considering my specific insurance policy.

But instead, I have to do like 10 preliminary visits (taking blood and what not), paying a co-pay every time. And then, on surgery day, literally right when before you get all prepped up, they ask you to fork over your credit card and pay X amount of dollars -- which was never brought up at any point during the 10 previous visits, even if you've asked. At this point, you've already been planning for months (taking time off work, etc.) in which you can't really "negotiate." I mean, I like to at least be fed a nice meal before I get fucked.

In reality, I know it's impossible for the McDonalds menu type scenario. Equipment, drugs, and procedures all vary, especially as we have advancements in medicine or new government regulations. But a little more transparency would be nice. Kaiser has this webpage that gives estimates for generic types of procedures -- but there are tons of super-specific surgeries out there that aren't even considered until you have to drop a $1200 co-pay one hour before surgery.