Surgery cost seems outrageous — what are my options?

I have Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona, PPO.

I have a mass on one knee I’m seeking removal and biopsy for — right under the skin, either a cyst or tumor. I saw an orthopedic surgeon who then sent me to an orthopedic oncologist due to not feeling comfortable operating on the mass without knowing what it was (X-rays and MRI came back inconclusive).

I’ve been scheduled for surgery with the orthopedic oncologist — 30 minute surgery, no overnight stay — and received the following as the hospital fee estimate. $3,750 owed out of pocket; total surgery cost between $59,000 and $121,000.

Screen shot of estimate here: https://ibb.co/Gd3yCcm

This seems like an insane cost for an outpatient surgery, but maybe I’m wrong? It doesn’t even include the doctor’s fee or anesthesia.

I should also mention, the issue moderately impacts my mobility and there is a small chance it’s cancerous, but the doctors notes makes it sound like surgery is not medically necessary at all — which makes me wonder if part of the cost is due to how it got classified.

Does this cost seem right? Would there be any benefit in trying to find a different surgeon, or contesting the way this medical issue was classified for insurance purposes?

Any advice would be appreciated!

submitted by /u/lead-role-in-a-cage
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