Is this a snarky comment or is this an actual experience that’s happened to you or someone you know? I’m genuinely curious, I can definitely imagine hospitals trying something like this…

I've never "interrogated" a medical professional about their in or out of network status, so I have no first hand knowledge. But I have been charged their ridiculous hourly rates for 5-10 minute "consultations" so I have no reason to believe they wouldn't charge you for this.

My wife was charged $65 "to meet the surgeon" that would be performing procedure if she went ahead with it (she didn't ask to meet him, btw). It was basically just "Hey Bill, can you come over here and say hi to this patient". She had the charges waived pretty easily, but, if you don't call and ask and/or complain, those charges stand.