Final answer:
The medical assistant should explain that the total cost of a surgical procedure can vary and suggest the patient contact their insurance company for coverage details and potential costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
An appropriate response by the medical assistant would be to explain that the total cost of a surgical procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of procedure, the complexity of the case, any additional tests or services required, and the healthcare provider's fees. The assistant can suggest that the patient contact their insurance company to inquire about coverage details and potential out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, the assistant can offer to provide a general range of costs based on average charges, but emphasize that a final cost estimate would be provided by the healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation of the patient's specific needs.