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Ann, I am not a general surgeon, but I do review work for malpractice cases (in neurosurgery). I will give you my "take" on this issue. The second surgeon is obligated to share the information (as to what he found) with you. If he is a participant (contracted) with your insurance carrier (or if he accepted assignment on Medicare), he cannot bill you until he has first looked to the insurance company (or Medicare) for payment. And then, he can only bill you for the deductible and co-insurance, if present. As to the issue of the possible malpractice, I cannot tell if the second surgeon is trying to "shield" the first or not. Bladder and/or peritoneal injury in a laparoscopic surgery is not necessarily malpractice, although it may be. I would recommend: 1.Write another letter to the second surgeon asking him for a discussion of his findings. You may even want to suggest an appointment for such. 2. In that letter, tell him that you will not make any payments until you see an itemized bill including the billing to the insurance carrier. 3. If you want to do such, you can send me copies of the letters from the (second) surgeon and perhaps I can suggest a "wording" for your letter to him. Also include copies of any correspondence which you sent to the (second) surgeon. 4. You may need to consult an attorney who is experienced in medical malpractice cases. It is a specialized field and there are a lot of lawyers out there who are not well-schooled in what is a difficult field. If the doctor(s) will not respond to your inquiries, they can be forced (by subpoena) to provide the records, including the hospital records which should show what was done and what was found. Where are you located? I may know someone who does this kind of work. 5. Send any further letters which you write to the surgeon by Certified Mail, return receipt requested, so you have proof of delivery. I do not know the whole story. Neither of these doctors may have done anything "wrong". There is, however, some "suspicion": in my mind from what you write, and more information is needed. If you decide to send the letter copies as above, e-mail me back and I will give you another address to send them to (my home office). Good luck. Best, Bob *********************************** ROBERT A. FINK, M. D., F.A.C.S. Neurological Surgery 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, CA 94704-2636 USA Phone: (510) 849-2555 FAX: (510) 849-2557 WWW: <http://www.dovecom.com/rafink/> mailto:[log in to unmask] "Ex Tristitia Virtus" ***********************************