And now the bills start rolling in

How about 5 minutes (and I mean FIVE MINUTES) before going in to surgery, the assistant surgeon comes over to introduce herself and then says 'oh, by the way, I am not in  your network, so I'll be sending you my bill separately'.   I was too dumbfounded to say anything besides not wanting to **** off a surgeon on my way into the operating room.  I haven't got the bill yet, but out of network means i will be paying all of her bill myself (i had already reached the out of pocket maxs for everything else, but out of network has its own deductible and out of pocket).   

I had gotten a call from the hospital before going in saying the 1 day bill would be around $3500 (negotiated rate).

 I'd be arguing that bill.  Not to mention, what an ass for telling you that on the way into surgery.  Really?!  

No kidding Jules!!  Jerk all the way for that comment.  I really dislike people who do that kind of thing to people.  How rude and inconsiderate.

That's awful, ktown7172!  Seems as though the surgeon was taking advantage of your vulnerable position.  Were you on the surgery table?  had they given you any kind of medication at that point?  That almost sounds criminal to me!  I guess you had the option to still find another surgeon but if you were already dressed for surgery when he told you then I would be thinking about filing some complaints to begin with.  That's really disgusting that he did that to you!  I wonder at what point did he realize that he wasn't in your network?  how far in advance did he know and just not tell you?

Yep, getting my bills now. Praising God my insurance and co-insurance will cover the majority. It is crazy how much everything costs. This is why our insurance systems are so messed up and why insurance costs so much as well. But, even still, I do not regret the surgery or what it has cost me financially. It has been a blessing. Will be glad when all is paid and no more bills are coming in though. Talk about sticker shock.