I'd argue the problem is that doctors and insurance companies are two for-profit entities fighting it out for every penny, whereas the people who ultimately pay for the services aren't part of that conversation. If making me an afterthought makes you (the doctor) more money, I become an afterthought (assuming I don't have other options, which most people don't). I can't imagine it working any other way, aside from magical altruism.

The dental industry gets no defense from me as I've been subject to attempts at swindling and coercion more times than I can remember, as if it's standard practice.