[J_Sherz]

Just to add another perspective also working in America for a good employer:

1. Schedule with GP, get appointment very quickly.

2. GP has no idea who is "in network" for you and doesn't seem to care very much. They also don't understand the different insurance plans so have no idea if you're covered for certain types of referral.

3. Schedule appointment with a specialist. Ask for up front cost estimate for consultation/procedure given your insurance plan. Unable to answer.

4. Go to appointment anyway as you don't have many other choices.

5. Receive astronomical bill for some obscure billing code that is not covered by your health plan.

6. Spend time calling doctors office and insurer to figure out the situation and try to avoid or reduce bill.

I've experienced the NHS too - for all its flaws, the peace of mind living in the UK from a health standpoint is worth every penny of the associated taxes IMO.

[kobeya]

I've never had a GP that doesn't care about their patient's in-network costs. Get a new one.