Bypass Surgery Cost in Chennai

What is Bypass Surgery?

Bypass surgery, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure designed to restore adequate blood flow to the heart. It is required when the coronary arteries become obstructed due to plaque buildup. During the surgery, a healthy blood vessel from the leg, arm, or chest is used to bypass the blocked artery. This allows oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart effectively.

CABG is often recommended for patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD), especially when medications or less invasive treatments, like angioplasty, fail. Besides, the procedure significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and relieves symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. Moreover, CABG can lead to improved quality of life and increased longevity.

What is the Cost of Bypass Surgery in Chennai?

The costs of bypass surgery in Chennai can vary considerably due to several factors, including the selected hospital, the surgeon's expertise, specific complexities of the patient's condition, and the technology used. Here is an overview of bypass surgery costs in Chennai:

• Minimum Bypass Surgery Cost in Chennai: ₹3,52,323 to ₹8,35,910
• Maximum Bypass Surgery Cost in Chennai: ₹6,25,477 to ₹12,49,488

Disclaimer: The price mentioned above is not precise. It may vary for different types of bypass surgery and from one hospital in Chennai to another.

What is the Cost of Different Components of Bypass Surgery in Chennai?

The cost of bypass surgery in Chennai consists of various components. Below is a breakdown of the cost of different components of bypass surgery in Chennai:

Disclaimer: The prices mentioned above are not precise. It may vary for different types of bypass surgery and from one hospital in Chennai to another.

What are the Types of Bypass Surgery in Chennai?

In Chennai, several types of bypass surgery are performed to meet the unique health requirements of each patient, reflecting the number of arteries that necessitate bypassing. Take a look at the various types of bypass surgery procedures in Chennai:

Disclaimer: The prices mentioned above are not precise. It may vary for different types of bypass surgery and from one hospital in Chennai to another.

Why Does Bypass Surgery Cost Vary for Different Patients in Chennai?

The cost of bypass surgery varies widely in Chennai depending on the kind of hospital, the type of graft, and the technology used. The knowledge of these factors can help manage and control costs for patients effectively. Here is a detailed overview of the factors affecting bypass surgery cost in Chennai:

1. Choice of Hospital

   Where a patient chooses to get treatment in Chennai determines the overall cost of the bypass surgery. Private hospitals that have the best modern facilities charge more than public hospitals. For instance, one of Chennai's most prestigious cardiac care centres will charge more for equipment and full-time patient services. Conversely, a government hospital will charge less for the bare essential services and may demand additional payment for extra facilities.

2. Surgeon's Expertise

   The surgeon's qualifications and experience are vital in determining the cost of bypass surgery. The fees of an expert cardiac surgeon with more experience will be relatively higher than that of someone with less expertise. Given their previous history of handling complex cases successfully, a well-known cardiac surgeon in Chennai can charge high prices for their services.

3. Complexity of Surgery

   The complexity of the bypass surgery may also determine its overall cost. Patients who require multiple grafts or have severe blockages usually pay more than people with not-so-severe blockages. For example, a patient who needs a quadruple bypass will pay more than a patient who needs a single bypass. This is because more complex surgeries lead to longer procedures and recovery times, increasing the overall costs.

4. Type of Graft Used

   Another cost factor in bypass surgery is the type of graft used. A graft obtained from the leg's saphenous vein costs relatively less than a gastroepiploic artery graft taken from the stomach. This is because they are more complex and last longer.

5. Technological Advancements

   The price of bypass surgery can be considerably influenced by the technology available. Robotic-assisted procedures are common in Chennai despite being costlier as they can be more accurate and ensure faster recovery. So, many patients prefer robotic-assisted surgeries despite the higher price.

6. Hospital Stay

   The length of time spent in the hospital is one of the primary factors determining the cost of a bypass surgery. Patients with no complications after surgery are discharged from the hospital after a few days, resulting in smaller hospital bills. However, patients who get infections, blood clots, and other complications post-surgery can take a long time to recover, resulting in a prolonged stay at the hospital and inflated costs.

7. Type of Hospital Room

   The room selected for use throughout the hospital stay is also a factor that determines the cost of a bypass surgery. Private rooms are more comfortable than shared or general wards, but are more expensive. Nonetheless, patients opt for private rooms so that their family members can stay with them throughout their recovery.

8. Other Services and Tests

   Additional services, such as pre-operative testing, post-operative care, medical rehabilitation, etc., can also raise the total cost of bypass surgery. For instance, a patient may require multiple cardiac imaging or additional rehabilitation sessions that can add up to a higher final bill.

Does Health Insurance Cover Bypass Surgery in Chennai?

Yes, bypass surgery in Chennai is covered in most health insurance plans, but the level of coverage can vary based on the selected policy. Standard medical insurance plans typically cover hospitalisation expenses, surgery costs, pre-hospitalisation lab tests and necessary post-operative care. Moreover, they also pay for ambulance charges, cost of consumables, and modern treatments like robotic surgery.

Heart insurance policies provide more extensive coverage for a range of cardiovascular conditions. They often cover everything from the initial diagnosis to bypass surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, ensuring comprehensive patient support.

In contrast, critical illness insurance plans offer a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of a severe condition. While this can help manage medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, it can also help pay for other incidental and day-to-day expenses of the insured.

However, mediclaim policies usually have waiting periods before the benefit kicks in. Standard plans often impose a waiting period of around 30 days, whereas critical illness plans may involve a 90-day waiting period. But for people with pre-existing heart conditions, the waiting period can extend to up to 3 years, limiting coverage for such conditions until the waiting period is completed.