Help Me to Help You

I want to purchase something. 

I wish to know how much it is. 

Generally, I have an idea of the product I seek. 

A TV, car, US Soccer Jersey, whatever. 

I like to know what I am going to spend before I buy. 

I comparison shop. 

Seems rational. 

Except in this case...

Long Time Listener, First Time Caller: I'm calling to get a price. 

CP: Ok. Do you have insurance or will this be straight cash?

LTLFTC: Cash. I have no insurance. 

CP: Okay. For what prescription do you seek a price?

LTLFTC: I don't know. 

CP: You don't know?

LTLFTC: No. I haven't seen my doctor yet. I don't have a prescription. 

CP: Okay. Makes my job a little difficult. What's wrong with you? Why are you going to the doctor?

LTLFTC: I don't feel well. Can't you give me a price on something for that?

CP: Did he give you any indication what he may prescribe?

LTLFTC: No. 

CP: Drug name? Strength? Quantity? 

LTLFTC: No. Why can't you just give me a price?

CP: Okay. I can give you a range since I don't have any specifics. 

LTLFTC: Okay. 

CP: It will be more that $1, but less than $1,000. How's that?

That would be like calling Best Buy for a price on something in their store but not knowing whether it was a TV, washer, Blu-Ray, PS3, iMac, or that new-release DVD that just came out sometime in the last month.