Mostly due to all of the variables that go into pricing a claim. And that logic on lives in the insurer's claim processing system.
Pieces that can impact the price. Your insurer and what product you have. These will affect who is considered in-network and the fee schedule to use. Different insures will have different arrangements. Depending on the product if you have a narrow network product they may or may not be in-network. It could also depend on the location. A provider can be in-network in one location but not in another.
Also the procedure that is actually performed may be slightly different from what was planned due to unforeseen circumstances.
This is assuming the provider is aware of what the actual costs are. In many cases they don't even know the ballpark price since that is not the portion that they deal with.
Of course. We know it can be done since it happens with alacrity at bill time. Why not do it in advance? It could could save the insurers money as well as the patient if the patient chooses the less expensive option.
Pieces that can impact the price. Your insurer and what product you have. These will affect who is considered in-network and the fee schedule to use. Different insures will have different arrangements. Depending on the product if you have a narrow network product they may or may not be in-network. It could also depend on the location. A provider can be in-network in one location but not in another.
Also the procedure that is actually performed may be slightly different from what was planned due to unforeseen circumstances.
This is assuming the provider is aware of what the actual costs are. In many cases they don't even know the ballpark price since that is not the portion that they deal with.