What insurance company do you use? I thought that in-network means the provider has agreed to accept the insurers usual and customary rate and that you are not liable for the difference.

This was Providence in Oregon. I thought that's what it meant, too. But in this case there's a contracted "allowed amount" that is all the insurance will pay the doctor. If the doctor chooses to charge more, you get to pay that.

Which really freaks me out. If you're insured at a contract rate of $5000 and they bill $30,000...?