HOSPITAL: Our chargemaster says you owe us $229,112.13!
PATIENT: But you told me I owed only $1,300! What’s a chargemaster?
HOSPITAL: We make up absurd pricing so we can “negotiate” discounts with insurance companies like Blue Cross, United and all the rest. You’re not an insurance company. Besides, what’s a few extra bucks! Pay up!
PATIENT: What’s the 13 cents for?