Health Ins Question, newbie

I am 6 1/2 weeks post-op, and I just received notice that my insurance (United Healthcare) processed the final claim relating to my testing and surgery. All costs were incurred in June and July 2007 (which covers my 5 weeks from 1st doctor's visit through surgery). The numbers are as follows: Total amount billed by hospital and doctors relating to pre-op testing, consults, and surgery is roughly $45,000. Much more than I though it would be. This includes a $17,000 charge from the hospital for the actual surgery. Total amount that United Healthcare "wrote off" because of negotiated rates with hospital and doctors is roughly $15,000. Sadly (in my opinion) my surgeon took the biggest hit in the negotiated rates - he wrote off $4500 of his $6000 bill. I feel like I should give him a tip, now. Total amount that United Healthcare paid to hospital and doctors is roughly $27,000. Total amount that I owe to hospital and doctors is just under $3,000. The single largest expense I had was the doctor who assisted the surgeon, because he does not participate with United Healthcare.

I had been told prior to surgery that the cost would be about $18,000. I had a minor complication (1 day in ICU post-op), and a $3,500 hospital bill for the pre-op EGD test. Jack, if you have questions about specifics, please let me know. Joe

Yeah I wish I still had united healthcare.  My wife and I have twin daughters and with UH it cost us $300 and she had toms of work done since twins in a high risk pregnancy. I've talked to Anthem and my HR and they both say they won't cover it.  But my Dr's admin people think different so I'll see what they say.  Maybe I'm just hoping for any type of financial support. I gotta talk with the wife more about this but the way I see it is $18,000 = a new car.  So we take out a loan and pay it off like a car.  Probably will be the best present I ever will get for myself.

Hello, As far as insurance goes, I have Carefirst Blue Cross, it paid for all of my RNY. I had it done 2/8/06. No problems was approved in 4 days. Good Luck, best thing I ever did for myself! Donna