Hernia repair is elective for most patients. It can be scheduled, the facility can be chosen, and the price difference is substantial. Facility fees in Tampa range from $2,000 to $16,000 depending on the hospital and insurer. You have real options here.
Inguinal, umbilical, and hiatal hernias have different codes
The type of hernia determines the CPT code. Inguinal (groin) hernia repairs are the most common and typically cost less than hiatal (stomach) or ventral (abdominal wall) repairs.
Confirm the specific CPT code your surgeon expects to use. Use the procedure lookup on this site to compare rates for your exact code across Tampa facilities before you book.
Mesh use is standard but not universal
Surgical mesh is used in most hernia repairs and billed as a supply charge on top of the procedure fee. The type of mesh and whether it appears as a line item on your bill varies by facility.
Mesh is typically included in the facility fee at most hospitals. If you see a separate mesh charge on your itemized bill, ask whether it is redundant with the facility fee.
Ambulatory surgery centers are appropriate for most hernia repairs
Elective inguinal and umbilical hernia repairs are routinely performed at ambulatory surgery centers for healthy patients. The outcomes are comparable to hospital outpatient departments and the cost is substantially lower.
Ask your surgeon whether they perform hernia repairs at an ASC and whether you are a candidate. For straightforward cases, there is no clinical justification for the higher hospital rate.