I can’t help but be suspicious about surgery cost estimate, should I be ?

Is it common for the "estimated cost" of my surgery to jump like this? In the US, Ohio, and I'm having a small hernia fixed next week. Originally my out-of-pocket cost was going to be 2200 per the estimate, which I paid, even though not happy about it (who ever is?).

Then the other day they call for pre-op checklist to go over things, make sure I've paid my share, and she even asks if I need financial assistance to pay my share, which I don't qualify for, as I told her I'd already paid my 2200. Then a day later I get another update out of the blue saying the estimate changed, and now I owe 3500 instead of 2200. WTF?

What would have changed over the course of a few days, without even seeing a doctor or stepping foot in the hospital ? Other than me letting them know that I was able to pay the $2200 and not need financial assistance? It sure feels like a case of "this guy can pay, let's tack on another 1200". Sigh.

I'm halfway tempted to just cancel it and get my 2200 back. I'm afraid if I go ahead, I'm going to just keep getting ever-larger bills from them.

submitted by /u/nolanday64
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