Those who have never been part of the medical profession (including office staff) simply don't understand the realities of dealing with insurance.

For a busy practice with two doctors, it might take four or more full-time people to deal with all of the insurance crap. They have to be paid and receive benefits, don't they?

Medical practices that offer cash discounts are simply passing (some of) the savings along. And in some cases I could easily see that being 1/3 or more.

This simply reflects reality. What's the problem?