Under the surgical schedule method of a basic medical expense plan, every procedure:

Under the surgical schedule method of a basic medical expense plan, every procedure is assigned a dollar amount by the insurer. This approach means that the insurer has predetermined a specific amount that it will pay for each type of surgical procedure listed in the schedule. These dollar amounts are set based on various factors, including the complexity of the procedure, average costs, and general healthcare pricing.

This method ensures that policyholders have a clear understanding of what their insurance will cover for specific surgical services. It provides a level of predictability regarding benefits and out-of-pocket costs for policyholders, as they can refer to the schedule to know the amount that will be reimbursed for a given procedure.

The other options do not accurately reflect how the surgical schedule method operates. For instance, procedures are not performed free of charge; rather, costs are allocated as per the schedule. Additionally, while some medical services might require prior approval, the surgical schedule method primarily focuses on the predetermined dollar amounts not on approvals. Lastly, although the reimbursement amount might seem flat due to the scheduling, it is not a flat rate for all procedures but instead varies based on the specific procedure and its associated dollar amount.