[lsmeducation]

One could argue that they are in complete control simply because the average patient can never pay the amount the provider bills. So the provider HAS to play ball with the insurer, because good luck getting joe blo American to foot the bill (it's impossible in most cases).

[ttt3ts]

This isn't quite true. Discounted cash price is often LESS than a given insurance pays. You can see this your self if you download price transparency data for your hospital (assuming they bothered to actually comply)