An average price for an inguinal and femoral hernia procedure at a hospital in the United States is $10,600. This was an adult male from the United States. (Source: Healthia)
The majority of the costs for hernia surgery will be covered if the patient has viable insurance. More than 40 million Americans do not have insurance. Some health plans also consider some types of hernia surgeries “elective.”
American Family Physician published a 1999 study warning about the dangers of not covering hernia surgeries due to cost concerns. “Elective herniorrhaphy has been under increasing pressure in managed-care environments. Some state plans don’t reimburse elective hernia repair. It is unknown what long-term effects untreated herniation can have on the health of patients. The decrease in surgical repairs may result in an increase in hospitalizations for incarceration and strangulation. Source: T. Bax. B Sheppard. R. Crass. The Management of Groin Hernias: Surgical Options American Family Physician. January 1999.
Hernias are often in the news when athletes have them. The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced in August 2006 that Jordan Leopold, a defenseman, needed hernia surgery. This took him out of play for several months. Matt Sokolowski, Avalanche Head Coach, stated that rehabilitation alone was not enough to fix the problem. He should be back at full speed within 10-12 weeks.
Surgery is the only true treatment for hernias. Sometimes, however, it is not enough. According to the ARSN Sports Network, Arkansas’ starting quarterback Robert Johnson was a fourth-year senior and had two hernia operations in two off-seasons.
Hernia symptoms can be difficult to spot. Jerry Porter, an Oakland Raiders receiver, had to have a hernia operation in 2003. Initial diagnosis was that the condition was a strained stomach muscle.
A hernia may present as a lump in the stomach or protrusion that can’t be moved back into the abdomen. A hernia could be a lump that grows in the abdomen or groin while you are coughing. Strangulated hernia is a condition that causes pain, tenderness, and other symptoms. This can lead to bowel obstruction. The most important symptoms to look out for are tenderness, pain, and swelling. Although not all hernias are an immediate emergency, they can lead to a more serious condition. If you feel the symptoms, it is important to see your doctor immediately.
Although hernias are often associated with weight lifting and sports, they can also be caused by regular exercise. The most likely reason a hernia patient is suffering from weakness in the abdominal wall was because of hereditary conditions. An internal organ can become “bulged” by pressure from exercise, obesity, or coughing. Chronic lung disease, fluid in the abdominal cavity, and chronic lung disease are two other conditions that can lead to a hernia. A history of hernias can also be a contributing factor.
When blood supply to the “bulge” is cut off, “strangulation” can lead to a life-or death emergency that may require hernia surgery. A patient without insurance could face serious medical complications and a financial crisis. Patients without insurance may have waited to get surgery in order to save money. However, the hernia grew worse over time and was more costly to treat.
Hernia surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure. Sometimes, it is performed with local anesthesia. Although patients are unable to drive home after hernia surgery, they don’t usually have to stay at the hospital for the night.
Unfortunately, hernias can appear suddenly. Even someone who thinks he is too well to be covered by insurance, a hernia can occur suddenly. Only a costly operation is possible.
Due to the high cost of hernia surgery it is important for consumers to choose solid health plans that cover non-emergency repairs. Healthia Inc., an independent site that allows consumers to compare plans from different carriers can be of assistance. Make sure you read the fine print of your policy. There are affordable plans that cover both emergency and non-emergency situations. To offset the financial cost of an operation, Health Savings Accounts may be combined with high-deductible plans.
