@ou14mejc If your surgeon is a participating physician with Medicare , he cannot bill more than the Medicare APPROVED AMOUNT.
If he is NOT a participating provider, there is still a limit he can charge you beyond the Medicare approved amount. Perhaps that’s what he’s referring to. Sometimes there are additional procedures they cannot foresee which may add to the cost.
In the end, you must do what will help you feel better. Most physicians will work with you to pay monthly on the balance due. They don’t want your balance sent to a collection agency where they only receive a third of your balance because the agency keeps their part. By law as long as you’re paying a reasonable monthly amount, doctors will work with you.
You may also look into Care Credit to pay off the doctor’s bill, you then pay this company monthly. No interest for the first year too. Best regards.