Right now, the patient usually has no clue what kind of costs are associated with their visit until after they receive the bill. They don't know for certain if their insurance covers it, or what kind of procedures will actually be carried out during the visit. Shouldn't it be the doctor's responsibility to let you know before they perform the procedure?
I understand there are liability concerns that doctors have to carry out certain procedures regardless of cost, but that should be fully understood and the risk should NOT be passed on to the patient.