Out of pocket decisions

so because i am still years away from medicare paying for cat surgery (and as i understand it its not automatic at 65. the doctor still makes the call if he determines it to be bad enough), i am trying to be extremely careful with my choice of eventual surgeons. i have an appt w a doctor in 2 weeks and since the visit is expensive, i would like the doctor who i see for my yearly checkup to be my surgeon.

now i originally thought the 4 most important choices were 1. competency as a surgeon, 2. working with the lens i want to use 3. patience to answer lots of questions. 4. ability to see them personally on post surgery follow up appts.

im no longer concerned with 3# as long as one does the research, i dont feel i will need a doctors opinion as they are my eyes and i will know better than anyone what i want

but the difference in cost here in chicago between the ones most recommended and all the rest is often at least double. now of course i want the best, but i wonder if a large part of the price difference is less skill and more reputation: ie the doctors charge more because they know they can get it. im doing as much research on the less costly ones (who all seem to have loads of experience and good credentials) but wondering others thoughts when they were paying themselves and had too many choices. thx

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