WELL WELL WELL... STOP THE PRESSES!!! I have JUST received this reply to my question to Mayo Portal from Patient Account Services. Apparently medicare billing has changed since my 2020 TKR!

"Good afternoon Paul,
Thank you for contacting Mayo Clinic Patient Account Services. We apologize for the delay in responding to your message.

We understand your frustration as we were frustrated as well with Medicare billing. Previously, Medicare paid patient directly; however, this has changed and Medicare now pays Mayo Clinic directly after they receive the claims from Mayo Clinic so you will not have the same frustration as you did a couple of years ago. If you have additional questions, please call Patient Accounts at 844-217-9591.. "