By Jonathan StempelAug 11 (Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Tuesday struck down a formula used by healthcare providers, insurers and the government that is designed to shield patients ‌from staggeringly high "surprise" medical bills. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans assured the ruling would not lead to "all-out chaos," because the government could let insurers ​retain the existing formula while a replacement is crafted. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement Advertisement• The majority ​rejected warnings by the government and insurers that ‌vacating the formula could leave patients on the hook for sky-high medical bills. • Tuesday's decision partially restored a district court ruling favoring the healthcare providers, which a three-judge 5th Circuit panel later reversed. • Lawyers for the healthcare providers did not immediately respond to requests ​for comment.