I agree that almost all medical providers that take insurance do not compete on price.
However, even for medical services that insurance doesn't cover or cash only practices, people are terrible consumers. One of the biggest problems I see is that people have no idea on how to judge a physician and take price as a proxy for quality. For example, I found out my doctor did a medical treatment (not covered by insurance) for $150. Three other doctors quoted me $750-1150. One quoted $3500. When I told my friends about this bargain they all looked at me like I was insane. When I told my other healthcare providers, they went "Who? Oh, I know him. He does that? For $150? Really?! I'll have to go see him."
With dentistry, there's often total annual payment caps on insurance and a lot isn't covered. When I managed a call center I was astounded by how much the agents paid for dental work. They would just literally see dentist referral ad on TV, go to that dentist, and then when quoted $6k, would just go "ok" and agree. Of course, I also saw many of these people pay thousands above sticker on cars with no shortage (Nissan Altima).
However, even for medical services that insurance doesn't cover or cash only practices, people are terrible consumers. One of the biggest problems I see is that people have no idea on how to judge a physician and take price as a proxy for quality. For example, I found out my doctor did a medical treatment (not covered by insurance) for $150. Three other doctors quoted me $750-1150. One quoted $3500. When I told my friends about this bargain they all looked at me like I was insane. When I told my other healthcare providers, they went "Who? Oh, I know him. He does that? For $150? Really?! I'll have to go see him."
With dentistry, there's often total annual payment caps on insurance and a lot isn't covered. When I managed a call center I was astounded by how much the agents paid for dental work. They would just literally see dentist referral ad on TV, go to that dentist, and then when quoted $6k, would just go "ok" and agree. Of course, I also saw many of these people pay thousands above sticker on cars with no shortage (Nissan Altima).