It's better to go the extra mile to nail down the best surgeon you can find, even if it requires some travel. Medicare pays by the procedure code used. Any physician that takes Medicare 'assignment' will accept the 80% of the 'approved' Medicare amount for the physician's services (Part B) and Part A pays for the hospital's charges (100%). I'm on Medicare and have an AARP United Healthcare supplement plan (Plan F) that covers the remaining 20%. The supplement will only kick in if Medicare Part B approves the physician's charges first. Almost all surgeons take Medicare assignment. The AARP United Healthcare supplement (Plan F) does not require a referral and does not have a restrictive network of providers, but the monthly premium is probably a little higher than some other Medicare supplement policies. Some private insurance plans have a narrow network of physicians whose charges they cover and may require a referral. It may not be too late to have a better surgeon fix the problems you now have. Usually interns only assist the operating surgeon. Good luck.