Sounds the same as my situation and its NOT an insurance rip off. Depends on what hospital or health system does their billing. Prices are all comparable to current ICD 9 reimbursements.
Im a nurse and 2 weeks ago, I popped my right shoulder off its socket (7 yr old snowboarding injury) when I was reaching for sumthing in the back seat - internal rotator cuff tear. Popped it, pulled over in a parking lot and I tried to put it back in by hyper extending it and rotating it bqck. TRUST ME, PAIN scale of 10.. Each time this happens, it feels like my whole body weight is on my whole right dangling arm..very painful. No problem, I can always put it back.. Uh oh.
This time I couldnt put it back in- 1st time to call 911. Paramedics cant put it back. ER room visit after... Total bill
3,600 to put my whole arm back in its socket ( Surgery ) procedure is reffered to as Surgery
1,700 ER Fee
2,300 doctors fee - separate fee for the doctor who put it back in.

Had to pay 100 deductible and Blue Cross paid everythung BUT $200. Still waiting for the bill.

They asked me if I need to be sedated cause they tried 2 times to put it back in its back in place and just wont. 3rd time worked. Whew! What a relief!!
They would have charge my PPO Blue Cross insurance Extra fee forb Anestheisa and Anesthesiologist if I OK'd the sedation.

Healtch care reform eh.