How can I find out if I have been overcharged for an outpatient surgery resulting in an absurd hospital bill

I feel that I have always been mislead regarding the amounts I will be charged after receiving medical attention. It is common that after the services, I receive ridiculous bills for ridiculous amounts which were never explained or mentioned to me prior to the service. I am very meticulous about writing everything down, including who I spoke to, on what date and time, what they said, quoted, etc...and many times the charges have been canceled. So getting to my actual problem, I recently had a Laparoscopy Outpatient Surgery (diagnosis and treatment of Endometriosis). I never received a formal quote for the exact amount of the complete procedure (because they usually won't even give you one when requested). Now, I have received a bill for $16,415.84!!! My insurance covers 85% of this, but I am still in shock about the amount I have to pay, especially when you look at the detailed breakdown of the charges! Is there a Consumer Services I can contact for more information?

Some examples of the charges:

Operating room $7,575.12 (1/2 hour)??

Recovery room $1,281.56 (max. 2 hours)

Pharmacy Svcs. $5,381.60 (of which $5,157.00 is for Leuprol Depot)

Supplies $1,580.60

Among other charges for anesthesia, lab, OB, etc...

I have been living in the U.S. for a year and a half and still feel that I am being taken advantage of, especially in the medical/insurance field, and would like to learn as much as I can and be prepared for the next time I need medical assistance.

Thanks for any help I can get.

M.E.