Hernia Surgery Cost

The cost of hernia surgery in the United States can vary widely depending on a number of circumstances. The major factor influencing hernia surgery cost is whether the prospective patient has medical insurance or not. Even if the patient has medical insurance the level of coverage and various deductibles and premiums can vary considerably. In general, though, the cost of hernia surgery is much lower for those that have health insurance than those that do not.

 

One factor that can influence hernia surgery cost is whether the hernia is complicated or not. An inguinal hernia occurs when there is an opening in the muscles of the lower abdomen. While the skin is not open, a bit of the intestine and associated blood vessels can leave one body space (the peritoneal space) and move through into the abdomen wall. In most people with inguinal hernias, the intestine or other tissue pokes through the abdominal wall and then retracts again just as quickly. A sudden increase in abdominal pressure, like from a cough or a sneeze, is enough to push the intestine out the abnormal space in the muscle. When the pressure goes back to normal, the intestine recedes.

 

 

Unfortunately sometimes the intestine pokes through and becomes trapped in the hole. This condition, which is called an incarcerated inguinal hernia, requires urgent inguinal hernia repair because the intestine can lose its blood supply and die, which requires a major bowel surgery to correct. In cases of an incarcerated inguinal hernia, the cost with virtually always be covered by health insurance. The patient will only be required to pay the deductible and, of course, the usual premiums.

 

However many people wish to treat the inguinal hernia before it becomes incarcerated to avoid complications. In this case, the policies about health insurance covering hernia surgery cost can vary. Since there is not an emergent problem and the inguinal hernia can be reduced (pushed back inside) without a problem. Some health insurance companies call inguinal hernia repair in this case elective. Elective surgery is usually the burden and responsibility of the patient.

 

Again, the cost of hernia surgery can vary widely. Some quotes are as high as $20,000 in the United States for correction of both right and left inguinal hernias (both sides are treated during the same procedure). Other estimates of inguinal hernia surgery cost are as low as $4,000.

 

It is sometimes difficult to get accurate quotes for the hernia surgery costs. While it may be possible to get a general surgeon to quote a rate, there will also be anesthesia and anesthesiologist fees, which can be an additional $1,000. Facility and hospital fees can be exceptionally high since many patients may need to stay overnight in the hospital after hernia surgery. The hospital costs can be as high as $3,000 to $7,000 alone.

 

If you are considering hernia surgery, it is important to review your health insurance very carefully to determine what coverage you have for this procedure. This is the only way to accurately estimate hernia surgery cost. Also find out what deductible you will need to pay for this or any surgery. Does your health insurance company view hernia repair surgery as elective under certain circumstances? How does that affect the cost of hernia surgery?

 

If you are uninsured, it may be wise to purchase personal health insurance outside of work. Remember that for the time being, preexisting conditions can be grounds for an insurance company covering the hernia surgery cost.