I've had several dental procedures performed at the local university which incorporates many of the points included in Tickerguy's plan: The school policy provides an itemized written quote for the patient who has the option to accept or decline individual items, no adders for any unforeseen problems, prices are the same regardless of the manner of payment, payment is billed per item as you go, the quotes are good for as long as you're in the program. I've brought x rays from other dental provides which they've used instead of shooting new ones. Prices are typically 1/4 to 1/2 of private practice prices. If dental schools can operate this way, the wider medical community has no excuse, especially armed with modern technology.

Granted the program exists to provide training but I found the care has been excellent. Procedures are performed by advanced students under tutelage and guidance of an instructor every step of the way, and the students are motivated to be thorough, taking no short cuts. That there are no hidden agendas to inflate the bill to, say, buy a boat is a big plus.

I'm circulating the Ticker to all of my congress reps and associates.