Unexpected billing amount, how can I lower it?

Hi all,

I am not very familiar with US Healthcare and barely go see a doctor. However, I got pregnant this year and with spouse and I medical history, we were considered a high risk case. We went to fertility clinic at first but never proceed any treatment since we got pregnant while talking to them. They did a lot of ultrasound for us and I never have to pay more than $50 co pay for seeing specialist (OB is $25 per my insurance)

I got an 11 week short ultrasound scan at 11 weeks at my local OB and again, paid $25.

At 14 weeks, I went to a MFM for some ultrasound scan and to chat with specialist on fetus test but didn’t proceed with anything. The scan was pretty long and very detailed. Again $50 billed to me

At 20 weeks, I went to another MFM for the anatomy scan and now I’m hit with $638 for the ultrasound and doctor visit for $208. This is AFTER insurance paid for some (full price was $1188 for ultrasound and $610 for doctor visit)

I already paid double for this low deductible insurance and it’s frustrating because the baby will come after the deductible reset. I called my insurance and they told me that the reason it was expensive because they bill “out-patient” and there is nothing they can do. Call hospital and the billing department offer 10% from full price if pay cash – why would anyone do that? Sent an email to the hospital and told that I can get one time 5% from insurance adjustment price but that’s it or apply for financial assistant which I probably won’t qualify.

Has anyone come across this? Is there a better approach I could take to lower the bill? I have another scan at 32 weeks and now I’m dreading to pay this much again. I will probably switch to my OB for the 32 weeks anatomy scan but will need to check how much it’s going to cost.

I’m just really frustrated at the healthcare cost here and how I can never get the answer straight on how much it would cost until they bill me. Thank you so much!