CPT 49505 is the open repair of an inguinal (groin) hernia with mesh, the standard operation for a first-time hernia in adults. It takes about an hour, is done as an outpatient under general, spinal or local anesthesia, and most people are back to desk work in a week.
What the price covers
The hospital's price is the facility fee for the operating room, mesh, nursing, supplies and recovery. The surgeon and the anesthesia provider bill separately. A laparoscopic repair (49650) is a different code and usually a higher facility price.
Why prices vary
Hernia repair is one of the most price-shopped operations, and the spread between hospitals in the same metro is often three to six times. Ambulatory surgery centers and specialized hernia centers frequently offer all-inclusive cash packages well below hospital facility fees.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price for 49505, and what do surgeon and anesthesia add?
- Is the mesh included?
- Is there a bundled cash price, and does an ambulatory surgery center offer one?