Just got a call from the surgery regarding their little chat with my insurance provider. Wow, insurance companies can be so inept. My providers said they will review my case after my surgery and hospital stay to determine if it is something they cover.

...

I really dislike the way that sounds, especially when a hospital stay tacks on an additional, what was it again? $5,000? More?

Called my orthodontist back and left a message stating the above and asking if he would check if the new Durham clinic has insurance options. If they don't, I will be faced with a real game show-worthy question:

Do I go to the surgery and risk paying twice as much on the chance that the insurance company will pay for some/all of it? Or do I go with the less expensive option I will have to pay for completely out of pocket?

Because the rumored clinic would be local and I have a job (which I start tomorrow!) that pays enough that I could actually save some money, I personally lean toward the out-patient clinic instead of the surgery.

I think it's ridiculous that have spent months fumbling through in insurance agents, paperwork and consultations to get down to this simple either/or formula. Damn you, bureaucracy!