Paying for procedures upfront

Hi everyone – quick question about paying for in-network services and procedures upfront. We are in-network with Anthem BC in California. My son is getting wisdom tooth surgery done, and the oral surgeon told us that in their office, they ask patients to pay the full cost of the procedure upfront (on the day of surgery), and they then submit the claim to our insurance company – insurance will then reimburse for the procedure and send us a check in the mail. The cost of the procedure is $5000, and the doctor expects us to pay this entire amount on the day of the surgery. I'm a little surprised by this, since my understanding is that when you use insurance, you would only pay the copayment or coinsurance fee at the time of service, then claim would be submitted by the doctors' office and the patient would find out afterwards if they still owe a balance. Is this done very often by doctors? Just wondering if this is common and/or legal? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

submitted by /u/Sad_Diamond_7538
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