Years ago when i had surgery to repair my achilles, i received the billing from the outpatient facility where it was performed.
On it, there were TWO (2) entries for "anesthesia" that totaled almost $2600. So i called.
Turns out that its common. The first entry was for the Anesthetist in the OR administering. the second charge was for the "head anesthesiologist" who was present at the facility, in the event something went wrong. IIRC i even posted here about post surgery.
Then i discover that the outpatient facility where surgery was performed, was owned by a group of drs...all 3 of them were Anesthesiologists.
It was pretty eye-opening to see the charges on the billing. ( and i too had to meet the 20% - which was around $4k iirc )
My Ortho charge ( ill never forget ) was $750. and HE DID THE ACTUAL SURGERY !!!
Its a !@#$@!# cat and mouse game played by both. And they would have you believe they are adversaries ( Drs vs Insurance ) , when in fact, they are not. I think thats the most frustrating aspect.