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Part of the problem is that hospitals don't disclose prices before performing services

Even my vet gives an estimate before treatment -- with a "low", "typical" and "high" estimates. I have to sign off on it before they'll provide treatment.

Why can't hospitals do the same for non-emergency care?

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Often they don't know themselves. It takes an elaborate back and forth negotiation with the insurance company to come to a final cost even when you wind up on the hook for it.

it would take a month to come back with the estimate. you don’t just call the insurance and get a price.

They could tell you what they will try to collect from insurrance then you know your risks.

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