I'd say your conclusion is correct, but that it might need to be flipped on its head.

I think Americans have come accustomed to not going to the doctor because of the exorbitant prices. I see the behavior you described as a sort of appeal to authority, like most people do when they know little on the subject, cars, taxes, etc. People are looking for some sort of input or direction in their mini-'existential' crisis.

For small things, all doctors can provide you is comfort and understanding, for most of us that will foot the bill, comfort isn't worth the price tag. This doesn't mean that one way is right or wrong, but maybe both system have it's weakness--ours' being the crazy prices you pay.