Would you rather the first line be how much can you afford to spend on diagnostics? I know our vets use that line to open a conversation about what the client can afford without being too direct about it.
There are worse starts, though "good morning" would be more normal - sorry, taking the mick there, I know what you mean. I do think costs need to be discussed very early on, it's not good for anyone if the money runs out part way through. Also diagnostics v treatment, as I said before I wouldn't want intrusive or expensive diagnostics if it isn't going to alter treatment or if the vet was confident of a diagnosis without them.