Center Cosmetic Surgery

Can a plastic surgeon charge more after surgery legally?

I recently had a surgery that I was told would be a specific amount. I had paid that amount right away. Three months have passed and I received a bill from the anesthesiologist stating that I owe double the original amount because the surgery took longer than what it was booked for. I was never told prior to surgery that price was determined by time, and the only document I signed stated that I would pay all of my costs, which I believed was the amount first told. Everything was done by word of mouth, and no contracts was signed. What should I do know that they are requesting more? Legally can they do that?

Public Comments

1. NO! talk to ur lawyer if u dont have one GET ONE
2. If it took more time, work, supplies, yes, they can do that! Especially an elective surgery like this, which it's all about the money!
3. Legally, yes. Many prices depend on the amount of time the surgery takes because if you require a longer procedure then you require more anesthesia and other medications and you must pay for the amount of time you are in the surgical suite- all of this costs money. Plus, the anesthesiologist gets paid separately than the other doctor so his bill is sent after the surgery. They gave you a base price on what they estimated the surgery to costs- there will always be more costs after the surgery when they know exactly what all was used and the time it took. You should have been aware of this or they should have explained it to you beforehand.
4. The surgeons have to pay fees for using the Operating Room. The cost of supplies goes up, as does the cost of anesthesia, as you are out for a longer time. They can charge "usual and customary" charges. If they surgery takes longer for unforeseen reasons, that is medically and legally acceptable. What is not acceptable is your surgeon not explaining this to you before hand.
5. Yes you could. Although they might not have told you specifically how they would charge, the situation is allowable. The first bill you received was most likely for the services rendered by the plastic surgeon. The anesthesiologist's services are billed separately because he is a completely different doctor and runs a different practice. I'm sorry for your situation, but you will be liable for both the costs of the surgery and the anesthesiologist's time and services, even though he sent you the bill after the surgery.
6. A verbal agreement is still a contract. I'd talk to a lawyer to see what remedies are available to you.