Medical billing rip-off

Over a year and a half ago I had a medical procedure known as a discography.At the time I told the billing office that I had to cancel the procedure because they were not in my insurance companies network.The doctors office called ME back no less than three times assuring me that they would "absorb"whatever my insurance company did not pay.(since this doctor was the only one in the area that performed this procedure).And that I would owe NOTHING.They would accept whatever the insurance company paid.To make a long story short..........a year and a half later I received a bill for $1057.When I called them and explained what I had been ASSURED of they tell me that that's just too bad.They have since fired the person who told me these things.And they're not responsible for me being mislead.When I ask why it took so long to send me a bill they claim that it took a year and a half to get used to their new computer system!Can someone help me here??The lady who made these promises to me identified herself as the manager of that office.Aren't they responsible for their employees actions?I have not worked since my back surgery.......there is no way I can pay this bill.And if I'd have known this was going to happen I'd have found someone in my insurance network to perform the procedure.Even if I had to drive a couple hundred miles to do it!It would have saved me $1000!!Thank you so much for your time.