I owe $21,000!!!!

Eight months after my surgery, I received a bill today from my surgeon with a balance due of 21,700. This is after insurance payment and "adjustments." (The total bill was $44,200). When my wife and I spoke to the surgeon on our first visit, he asked what kid of insurance we had, then assured us that everything would be covered. As glad I am that I had the surgery, I would not have agreed to it if I had been told up front it would cost me 21,000. I do not have that kind of money. I have no idea what do to. We Have Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield of NE New York, which has been described as the "Cadillac" of health plans. Is this common? Any suggestions about what to do. Please email me at [email protected] or post here. Thanks in advance. Paul Here is the itemization: Gastric bypass for obesity: 18,500. Laparoscopy, enterolysis: 7500. Lazaro, resect intestine: 9500. Wedge biopsy of liver: 4000. Upper GI Endoscopy / Guide Wire: 2000. Insert abdominal drain: 2700.

Paul - don't panic yet call the insurance company and find out why they didn't cover more of the costs as well as ask what your out of pocket cap is. Last year when our daughter was in a burn unit for a month I saw us going to the poor house - but discovered we had a 2000 dollar cap which after we had paid 2000 out of pocket expenses the insurance picked up the rest. You really have to check out what the insurance paid and push them to cover more or explain why not. Once that is complete if there is amount left over because the insurance company said the bills were higher then what they allow - call the hospital and doctor's office and as why the fees are higher then what the insurance will pay. Good Luck