>In the rest of the economy, we agree on a price beforehand
This occurs in auto repair as well (though maybe less than it used to). Those repairs, in my opinion, have been quite stressful as well. Are there other industries where we bill afterward?
This occurs in auto repair as well (though maybe less than it used to). Those repairs, in my opinion, have been quite stressful as well. Are there other industries where we bill afterward?
Home renovation. You'll get a quote, but the final price can be way higher. Any service when you are dealing with unknowns, the price is going to have to be flexible.
For a doctor, the unknown includes many possible things like drugs administered, blood administered, emergency care, hospital costs, etc. It's not as simple as an hourly rate estimate, unfortunately.
Hence my mechanic has my phone number and will call me if there is an issue, and we can agree to fix it (or not, which includes taking it to another shop).