Bypass Surgery Cost in Delhi

What is Bypass Surgery?

Bypass surgery, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a procedure aimed at improving blood flow to the heart in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD, narrowed or blocked coronary arteries can cause chest pain or heart attacks. During the surgery, a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is grafted to bypass the blocked artery, restoring adequate blood flow to the heart muscle.

Typically performed under general anaesthesia, bypass surgery requires a hospital stay of several days. While the surgery can significantly relieve symptoms and lower the risk of heart complications, it does not cure CAD. Ongoing management of risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, remains essential for the long-term success of the surgery.

What is the Cost of Bypass Surgery in Delhi?

Understanding the cost of bypass surgery in Delhi is essential for patients considering this critical procedure. Here is an overview of bypass surgery costs in Delhi:

• Minimum Bypass Surgery Cost in Delhi: ₹2,40,000 to ₹4,50,000
• Maximum Bypass Surgery Cost in Delhi: ₹4,15,000 to ₹6,75,000

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

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

Bypass surgery comprises of several components, right from pre-operative assessments to hospital stays and post-hospitalisation care, each contributing to the total expense. The key components of bypass surgery and their cost in Delhi are:

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

What are the Types of Bypass Surgery in Delhi?

Bypass surgery aims to improve blood flow to the heart and lower the risk of a heart attack. The common types of bypass surgery and their costs in Delhi are:

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

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

The cost of bypass surgery in Delhi varies significantly due to several factors unique to each patient’s situation. Some of the reasons why bypass surgery costs vary are mentioned below:

1. Acuteness of the Condition

   The location and the severity of the blockage in the coronary artery majorly determine how much a patient can expect the bypass surgery to cost. Patients with blockages in multiple arteries may incur higher costs compared to those with minor blockages in one or two branches. For example, someone needing only one bypass will likely pay less than someone requiring two to four grafts, as the latter involves more time and resources.

2. Type of Bypass Surgery Procedure

   Bypass surgeries can vary from open-heart surgery to minimally invasive techniques. Open-heart bypass surgery is expensive due to the more extensive nature of the procedure, meaning more extended hospital stays, greater use of resources, and more time in recovery. On the other hand, minimally invasive surgeries can be more affordable because they have a shorter recovery period with fewer days spent in the hospital.

   For instance, a patient may opt for robotic-assisted bypass surgery, where they will pay more for technological advancement but less for post-operative care due to the faster recovery time.

3. Hospital Choice

   The choice of hospital can significantly affect the cost of bypass surgery. Private hospitals in Delhi usually have the most modern facilities and offer specialised attention, which can quickly add to the surgery cost. On the other hand, government hospitals are relatively affordable, though patients may have to wait longer for the surgery.

   For example, a reputable private hospital with sophisticated cardiac care would charge more money than a government facility due to the better technology used and the attention given by the doctors.

4. Surgeon's Skill

   The experience and reputation of the surgeon may also influence the cost of bypass surgery. An experienced, skilled surgeon usually charges more money because of his ability and the better results he achieves. Even if the costs are higher, a patient has a chance of fewer complications and experience potentially better outcomes by going with an experienced surgeon.

5. Pre-surgery and Post-surgery Care

   The bypass surgery cost is more than just the surgery itself. Pre-surgical evaluations add to the cost as additional expenses from diagnostic imaging tests and laboratory workups are included. The same is the case with post-surgery care, which sometimes includes rehab sessions and follow-up consultations. For example, a patient requiring an extended session in cardiac rehab after bypass surgery may pay more than someone who may not require rehab facilities.

6. Application of Technology and Equipment

   The technology and equipment used in performing the bypass surgery procedure also determine the cost incurred. Tertiary referral centres with expertise in the latest surgical procedures, such as minimally invasive or robotic-assisted surgery, may charge higher fees for treatment. Sometimes, a patient’s condition may warrant the need for such advanced surgeries, which increases the overall cost of the surgery.

7. Patient's General Health and Comorbidities

   The overall health condition of the patient and the presence of any pre-existing diseases could affect the complexity level of bypass surgery. Patients with diabetes or obesity require more sophisticated tests and assessments before surgery. Additionally, they need higher levels of monitoring during the operation and extended hospital stays after the surgical intervention. As a result, they end up paying more for the surgery compared to someone with no comorbidities.

   For example, a diabetic patient may incur higher costs due to complications like poor healing, kidney issues, or infections, as more intensive care and management are needed during recovery.

Does Health Insurance Cover Bypass Surgery in Delhi?

Yes, health insurance covers bypass surgery in Delhi. Most standard health insurance plans cover hospitalisation, surgical procedures, and post-hospitalisation care. Insurers pay for ambulance charges, hospital room rent, surgeon fees, operation theatre charges, device expenses, diagnostic tests, and post-surgery medications. However, patients should inspect their policy to understand its inclusions, exclusions, and limitations.

Heart insurance policies cover everything under the umbrella of cardiovascular conditions, including bypass surgery. They not just pay for the surgery but also for preliminary diagnosis and post-operative rehabilitation.

Moreover, critical illness insurance plans offer a lump sum payout in case of the patient is diagnosed with coronary artery disease or suffers from a heart attack, which may demand bypass surgery. The payout can help with medical costs and recovery expenses during and after bypass surgery.

Most mediclaim policies have a waiting period before a claim can be filed. The initial waiting period, however, varies from standard health plans, i.e. of 30 days, to critical illness policies, i.e. up to 90 days. Moreover, claims resulting from pre-existing heart conditions involve a longer waiting period of up to 3 years.