Nancy Gomez went to a Encino, Calif.-based specialist after experiencing pain in her lower back and received an epidural nerve block. The specialist was considered in-network by her insurance plan.
Ms. Gomez was billed $18,000 for the procedure. She said that because the physician performed the operation from his surgical suite, her insurance proclaimed him an out-of-network provider.
But Ms. Gomez received two more surprise bills during a follow-up surgery. Although both the hospital and operating surgeon were considered in-network, Ms. Gomez was charged more than $9,000 for services performed by an out-of-network assistant surgeon and anesthesiologist,.
Ms. Gomez said she hopes stories like her own will lead California lawmakers to instigate real change for patients like her.
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