How Much Does Inguinal Hernia Surgery Cost?

Last Updated on June 20, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Inguinal hernias occur when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weakness in the groin, creating a bulge in the area. Repairing them through surgery is crucial to avoid potentially dangerous complications. But what expenses should you expect for this procedure?

This guide examines all the costs associated with inguinal hernia surgery, from consultations and diagnostics to facility fees and post-operative care. We provide price ranges, insurance/payment details, cost reduction tips, and real patient testimonials to ensure you can plan and budget appropriately.

How Much Does Inguinal Hernia Surgery Cost?

Total surgical costs for inguinal hernia repair often range from $7,500 for simple open surgery at an outpatient facility to over $30,000 for complex laparoscopic repair at a major hospital. Even insured patients can expect to incur deductibles, copays, and coinsurance of at least $2,500-$5,000 out-of-pocket on average.

Here is a detailed price breakdown for the common costs associated with getting an inguinal hernia surgically repaired:

• Surgeon’s Fee – Often ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the surgeon’s skills and geographic area.
• Anesthesia – Approximately $1,000 to $2,500 for the anesthesiologist’s services, with general anesthesia at the high end.
• Hospital OR and Facility Fees – For hospitals, these costs often total $15,000 to $35,000 including room charges, equipment expenses, medications, nursing care, and other ancillary services. Outpatient ambulatory surgical centers range from $6,000 to $15,000 for the same case.
• Diagnostic Testing – Patients may incur $500 to $2,000 or more for CT scans, ultrasounds, EKGs or other tests needed before medically clearing surgery.
• Follow-up Care – Typically $300 to $500 for one or two post-operative visits including exams and rechecks.
• At-home Medical Supplies – Medications, dressings, and other supplies for recovery at home could cost $100 to $500 depending on needs.

Total costs for an inguinal hernia repair often range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the factors and complexity discussed above. Pricing on the higher end applies to surgeries at prestigious medical centers with top-rated surgeons performing laparoscopic repair. More affordable options below $15,000 are often available at outpatient surgical centers.

Healthmonix reports that the average cost of one-sided laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery performed at an outpatient surgery center in California is $9,000. Laparoscopic surgery costs are higher due to increased equipment and time expenses. The average cost of one-sided open inguinal hernia surgery performed at an outpatient surgery center in California is $7,000.

NCBI reports that the average cost of an open inguinal hernia repair is $1,348.31, with a range of $750 to $3,000. The average cost of a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is $1,551.45, with a range of $750 to $4,000.

GoodRx reports that the average cost of hernia repair surgery without insurance is $4,000 to $11,000, though more complex procedures can exceed $20,000. Most insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost, but the exact amount varies depending on the specific plan and provider.

Oxford Hernia Clinic provides a fixed fee of £2,490 for a unilateral inguinal hernia, umbilical, epigastric, or femoral hernia under local anesthetic, fully inclusive of all hospital, anesthetic, and surgical fees. There is no VAT on medical services. This cost is significantly lower than the costs reported in the US, likely due to the different healthcare systems and insurance structures in the UK.

Inguinal Hernia Surgery Overview

First, a brief overview of inguinal hernias and their surgical treatment:

An inguinal hernia forms when a portion of fat or intestine pushes through a weak spot or tear in the abdominal wall’s inner lining. This protrusion creates a bulge or lump in the groin area. Men are 25 times more likely to get them due to anatomical differences.

While small hernias may not cause symptoms initially, larger ones usually cause pain and discomfort. A doctor can diagnose an inguinal hernia through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans or ultrasounds.

There are two main surgical approaches to repair inguinal hernias:

Open Hernia Repair involves a single 2–4-inch incision near the hernia allowing the tissue to be pushed back into place and reinforcing the muscle wall with surgical mesh. This method often requires significant recovery time.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair utilizes 3-4 small incisions for specialized instruments and a tiny camera to insert mesh while viewing the hernia on a monitor. This technique typically reduces pain and enables faster recovery.

Understanding how these procedures are performed helps you plan for the associated costs.

Factors That Influence Surgery Costs

Several important variables influence the total price paid for inguinal hernia repair:

• Type of Surgery – Laparoscopic hernia surgery typically costs 20-30% more than open repair, given its specialized equipment and technical difficulty.
• Surgeon’s Fees – More experienced surgeons who have performed hundreds of successful hernia repairs often justifiably charge higher prices.
• Facility Charges – Hospital fees average $15,000-$35,000 while accredited outpatient surgical centers are often 40-60% less expensive.
• Anesthesia – General anesthesia averages $2,500+ for the anesthesiologist’s services while local anesthesia may only be $500-$1,000.
• Geographic Location – Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or New York City have significantly higher healthcare costs overall compared to rural regions.
• Insurance Coverage – Insured patients have lower out-of-pocket costs, while uninsured individuals pay the full surgical fees.
• Pre-Surgery Diagnostic Testing – Extensive testing like MRIs or CT scans add ancillary costs before the procedure.

You might also like our articles about the cost of endoscopy, toe shortening surgery, or parotidectomy surgery.

Health Insurance and Coverage

Health insurance significantly reduces direct medical costs. But it’s wise to Having health insurance coverage significantly reduces direct out-of-pocket medical expenses for policyholders. But it’s wise to understand exactly how your specific insurance plan handles inguinal hernia procedures.

Some questions to ask your insurance provider:

• Is the surgery and chosen surgeon/facility covered under your plan? Confirm it meets approved criteria.
• What is the yearly deductible you must pay out-of-pocket before coverage begins? Often $2,000-$6,000.
• What coinsurance rate applies dictating your share of covered charges? Typically, 10-30%.
• Are there copayments for the hospital portion? Often $500-$1,000 per day.
• Does the surgery require pre-certification or authorization from the insurer first?

Maximize benefits by using tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs, FSAs or HRAs to pay deductibles and medical bills tax-free.

Payment Plans and Financial Assistance

If facing large out-of-pocket costs, discuss payment plans or financial assistance with the hospital and surgeon’s billing office. Options include:

• Payment plans – Installment payments spread out over 12-24 months. Interest may apply.
• Charity care – Uninsured/low-income patients may have costs waived or reduced.
• Medicaid – Government-funded insurance for qualifying lower income individuals.
• Medical credit cards – Can assist with deductibles/coinsurance but have high interest rates.

Non-profit groups and religious organizations also provide financial aid for medical bills.

Additionally, some surgeons offer sliding-scale discounted fees or donate their services on charitable surgery days. Seeking assistance ensures access to needed treatment.

Comparing Costs and Healthcare Providers

To find affordable quality care, consider:

• Checking fair price calculators like HealthcareBluebook to compare costs for the same procedure at different facilities.
• Seeing top-rated surgeons with experience performing hundreds of successful hernia repairs. Avoid choosing only on cost.
• Considering accredited outpatient surgical centers which offer significant savings over hospitals.
• Negotiating costs by requesting detailed estimates and discussing options with both the surgeon and hospital billing department.
• Taking advantage of cash pay discounts which providers sometimes offer because they don’t have to deal with insurance.

With research and cost comparisons, excellent surgical care can often be found at reasonable prices.

Final Words

While expenses vary significantly, total costs for inguinal hernia surgery often range greatly based on the technique, providers, and your insurance benefits. Understanding all the charges, evaluating healthcare options wisely, and utilizing financial assistance can help manage costs for this common procedure. Most importantly, prioritize choosing an experienced surgeon over just the lowest price to ensure you receive the highest quality care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a hernia feel like?

A hernia usually feels like a bulge or lump in the groin area that may increase when coughing, bending over, or lifting. The area may ache or feel sore, especially when pressed on. But smaller hernias can be painless.

What are the complication rates of inguinal hernia repair?

Major complications after inguinal hernia repair like severe infection, mesh rejection, or recurrence affect approximately 4-5% patients overall. Minor complications like temporary numbness or swelling occur up to 20% of the time. Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions lowers risks.

What is the hardest day after hernia surgery?

Days 2 to 3 after surgery tend to be the hardest for most patients. Swelling and bruising peaks during this time leading to significant discomfort and stiffness. Appropriate rest, ice packs, and pain management are essential to get through the initial post-operative period after hernia repair.