Pre-Approval testing - on hold until Jan 1

Here's the thing....I just saw my surgeon for the first time last week. I haven't even decided if I want this surgery...but have decided to go ahead with the approval process. I would be looking at a Mar-May surgery date if I decide to proceed.

However, the Dr.'s office has already scheduled me (this week) for things like EKG, sleep study, chest xrays, etc. They assured me these things were a copay situation.

When I got to the hospital I was informed that they are a deductible situation. That is a big difference. I wasn't wild in the first place to have testing for an approval for an insurance that could change at renewals in December. But if it was just a copay - fine.

Now that it is a deductible...I put everything on hold until after Jan 1. There is no sense in me paying a $250-500 deductible with 8 weeks left in 2009 - when it is going to start over again in two months and I will have to pay it all again because the surgery is (theoretically) in 2010.

I am nervous this is going to irritate the Dr's office but if there is an urgency I am unaware of...they should be taking the time to explain it to me. She called me Friday with the Monday appts...and gave me incorrect payment instructions.

Just thought I'd vent.

Thanks!