Allowed amount different for the same exact service/provider/location?

I see an out of network provider and pay out of pocket to the provider, then submit a claim to my insurance for reimbursement directly to me. I recently asked my provider if they offer any kind of sliding scale billing for clients, since my insurance only reimburses 60% of out of network costs , and this 60% is based of their allowed amount for the service (which is lower than the amount she currently charges for this service). She said she was able to lower my bill to be closer to what my insurance allows to hopefully decrease my out of pocket costs. Except now when I submitted my claim for reimbursement, my insurance just reimbursed me less because now they said the allowable amount is lower. What I don’t understand is how is the allowable amount different for the exact same service, provider, and point of service? I chose this plan because I wanted to continue seeing this provider and this plan stated it reimburses 60%. But if they change the allowable amount based on the cost of the service, it seems like at no point does my insurance ever actually cover 60%. (For background, this is a Florida blue ppo plan, and nothing has changed with regards to the plan year, deductible, etc.) the only difference is the amount my provider billed. What gives?

submitted by /u/Agile-Following5471
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