In this example, a routine knee surgery in Texas generated $24,000 in charges. With skilled negotiation, NGS could have reduced the bills by more than 90% — saving over $21,000 and protecting the client from inflated medical costs.
A patient underwent a knee arthroscopy after suffering a fall. This type of procedure is considered routine and minimally invasive, yet the billed charges were anything but ordinary.
Surgeon’s bill: $20,000
Assistant’s bill: $4,000
Total billed: $24,000
Because the patient was a non-subscriber to the Texas Workers’ Compensation program, there was no automatic cost control in place. This left the patient — and ultimately the client responsible for costs — fully exposed to highly inflated provider charges.
In a scenario like this, NGS could have stepped in immediately to protect the client. Our negotiators regularly use established benchmarks, such as the Texas Workers’ Compensation fee schedule, to anchor discussions with providers.
Although the patient was not enrolled in that program, applying its fee schedule would have provided a credible, fair, and defensible framework for negotiation. This approach avoids arbitrary discounts and instead grounds the settlement in transparent state standards.
Following several rounds of provider discussions, NGS could have achieved results along these lines:
Surgeon: Paid $2,219.83 — an 89% reduction.
Assistant: Paid $164.27 — a 96% reduction.
The impact of this negotiation would have been significant:
Total billed: $24,000
Total paid: $2,384.10
Total saved: $21,615.90
That represents a savings of more than 90% across both bills. For the client it’s proof that a structured approach can turn an overwhelming liability into a manageable outcome.
While this case is illustrative, it highlights a common challenge. Across the United States, patients and employers face disproportionate bills for relatively simple medical procedures. Without negotiation, these charges can quickly spiral into financial strain.
NGS could have provided a safety net in this situation, ensuring the client paid only what was fair and reasonable. For clients, the benefit is twofold:
Immediate protection from inflated charges.
Confidence that every bill is checked against benchmarks, standards, and fairness.
This example demonstrates the value of expert negotiation when unexpected medical costs arise. Whether for a routine surgery like a knee arthroscopy or a complex hospital stay, NGS helps clients save thousands, avoid disputes, and maintain control.
At the heart of our work is one simple goal: giving clients financial protection, peace of mind, and confidence when navigating complex healthcare billing systems.
