Appendix surgery or appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. Appendectomy is done to treat appendicitis which refers to the inflammation of the appendix that causes pain in the lower right abdomen. Lack of appendix surgery can cause complications that can become quite severe. In addition, untreated appendicitis requires immediate attention as it can rupture within 48-72 hours, leading to life-threatening circumstances.
This is why the government has stressed the need for medical facilities across the country to encourage people to undergo early treatment. Among many private healthcare organizations, Pristyn Care has stepped up to provide advanced medical treatment for appendicitis surgery at affordable costs. Since cost is a major factor in deciding the course of treatment, here is a breakdown of the cost of appendix surgery in Vijayawada in 2021.
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Factors affecting the cost of appendix surgery in Vijayawada
A general cost for appendix surgery usually falls between a price tag of Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000. However, this price range is not definite and it can vary depending on several factors. For example, a highly experienced surgeon with years of expertise in laparoscopy will charge higher than the surgeon who performs open surgery. Similarly, other factors determine the overall cost of the treatment right from admission to recovery.
Selection of hospital
The selection of a good hospital can increase the chances of a successful appendix surgery. Renowned hospitals usually charge more due to their status and history of successful treatments. While the treatment cost in good government hospitals is generally economical, the overall treatment cost in private healthcare institutes is usually higher than in government hospitals.
Admission fees (surgeon)
Getting admitted to the hospital will cost you regardless of whether it’s a private institute or government. Admission fees vary depending on the selection of the hospital and the general fees of the doctor or surgeon. A single consultation with a highly experienced surgeon usually costs more. Government hospitals usually charge nominal admission fees, while private hospitals are typically expensive. The admission charges add to the total billing amount of the treatment.
Diagnostic tests
Surgeons often recommend diagnostic tests to determine the extent of disease and recommend the course of the procedure. Diagnostic tests include a series of tests to determine how severe appendicitis is. The tests may include:
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- Chest X-ray, in case of a child, to check for pneumonia.
Diagnostic tests help the surgeon narrow down the most suitable treatment procedure for the patient. Each diagnostic test adds to the billing amount of the treatment, which further increases the overall amount of appendix surgery.
Cost of anesthesiologist
Appendix surgery is done under the effect of general anesthesia for a comfortable experience during the procedure. The cost of anesthesiologists and anesthesia adds to the total cost of treatment.
Type of surgery
Appendix surgery can be done in two ways – Open appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy.
Open appendectomy – In open surgery, the surgeon removes the appendix through a large incision in the abdomen. Unless compulsory, this surgery involves greater recovery time and more chances of complications. The cost of open appendix surgery alone is around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000.
Laparoscopic appendectomy – This surgery involves small incisions to remove the appendix. It is an advanced surgery that involves keyhole incisions and offers faster recovery. Post-recovery care is less as compared to open surgery, and the patient can resume work within a week. The cost of laparoscopic surgery is comparatively high due to the latest equipment used during the procedure. The treatment offers a daycare procedure which means the patient can go home on the same day of surgery. The cost of laparoscopic appendix surgery alone is around Rs. 45,000 to Rs.55,000.
Cost of medications
The surgeon usually prescribes medications before and after the surgery for a smooth treatment experience. These medications add to the total expense of the procedure. While some non-medical items are covered under insurance, many medicines can be expensive, which will increase the overall cost of appendix surgery.
Risks and complications
Several risks and complications are the unpredictable aspects of the surgery. Though many of us may not experience any complications, they can insubstantially crease the cost of appendix surgery. For example, during an appendix rupture, the doctor may take consecutive surgery to first clean the contents of the abdomen. Moreover, the post-surgery complications will also increase the overall cost of appendix surgery.
Hospital charges
Every hospital has its cost structure when it comes to treatment and hospital stays. The cost of healthcare institutions is based on the type of room selection and the facilities provided by them during your post-recovery stay. Hospital stays in government healthcare facilities are usually economical as compared to private ones. On average, the cost of hospital stay in a government healthcare facility is usually economical as compared to a private healthcare institute.
These hospitals facilitate general wards, single rooms, double occupancy rooms, luxury occupancy, etc. The hospitals charge according to the amenities and services in each type of occupancy. Therefore, choosing the appropriate healthcare facility is essential for a pocket-friendly budget.
Post-consultation charges
Recovery is a crucial period after surgery. Therefore, it is important to keep in touch with the doctor to decrease the probability of complications and ensure a faster recovery. Your surgeon may recommend multiple follow-up sessions after your surgery to monitor your recovery. Follow-up session cost can depend on the type of doctor and the number of sessions. However, the follow-up cost at Prityn Care is free of cost.
Insurance coverage
Insurance plays a vital role in decreasing the overall cost of the treatment. Though insurance proves beneficial for the patient, many patients may choose better amenities that may or may not be covered under their insurance plans. Insurance approval usually depends on the type of your insurance policy and the terms and conditions set by the insurance provider.
How is Pristyn Care changing the demographics of affordable appendix treatment in Vijayawada?
Pristyn Care is a full-stack healthcare provider in Vijayawada. We aim to ease the process of accessing appendix treatment to all people by introducing a flexible payment system. This means the patient can pay for their treatment using credit cards or debit cards. We provide zero EMI facility, which means patients can undergo advanced treatment without worrying about the cost.