Guess what the hospital billed my insurance for the surgery? Just under $50,000. And that didn't even include the anesthetist's bill or my surgeon's bill. Of course, I requested an itemized bill. It's outrageous how much they charge for things. Example: I was charged more than $30 for a MARKER, for Pete's sake! And I don't even know what they used it for!

I just got a copy of my bill- it was about $48k...outrageous- I had open gall bladder surgery and stayed in hospital 5 days-that only cost $33k.

This is why insurance costs are so out of control and why they do everything they can to get out of paying for procedures.

They can charge anything they want, that doesn't mean that's what they will collect. It's a predetermined contractual amount that they get. It will likely be around $15K. That's my guess.

The last hospital I worked for broke it down for us and showed us the costs, etc. I believe it was 75% of their income went for employee costs. The cost of employees is amazing. With the nursing shortage they usually offer amazing benefits just to get nurses to go and work there.