cost of prophylactic mastectomy

Just got my bill for BMX with TE's and one night stay (observation, not inpatient). The outrageous charge was $64,000. This does not include physicians' charges. Such ridiculous amounts include over $22,000 for "sterile supplies", which does not mean the actual cost of OR time; >$10,000 for anesthesia - the use of the machine and inhaled anesthestics, no damn way. I was also billed as an inpatient ($1,900 for one night) even though I was admitted for less than 18 hours and as an observation.

 Since I have "Cadillac" insurance, my out-of-pocket to the hospital was about $600.00. I called my insurance company to tell them they were being robbed - they told me this particular in-network hospital was known for over-billing and that most costs were denied. I spoke with the hospital and asked for an itemized print-out of every single charge and verification of my status as an in-patient.

 I am not questioning the absurdly low amount that I have to pay. I am on a rampage for those of you without insurance who receive such outrageous bills and spend years fighting over charges for erroneous OR expenses, drugs you never received, tests never performed, etc. And people wonder why we need health care reform?

Including the physician and facility charges the approximate cost for prophylactic mastectomy, may be over $15000. The costs could vary depending upon the physician and the city