Heart Surgery Cost in Chennai

What is Heart Surgery?

Heart surgery is a delicate and intricate procedure that cardiac surgeons use to mend or replace diseased heart tissue, fix blood flow, and improve the functioning of the heart. This often involves:

• An incision through the chest cavity so that the heart can be accessed and all necessary repairs can be made
• Grafting new vessels to bypass blockages and prevent further blockages
• Fixing or replacing diseased heart valves
• Grafting of a donor's heart

The type of procedure chosen depends on the patient's general health condition and is done as per the surgeon's judgment for the betterment of the patient.

What is the Cost of Heart Surgery in Chennai?

Chennai has some of the best healthcare facilities with top surgeons. However, the total heart surgery cost varies based on surgeon’s charges, diagnostic tests, post-surgical care, etc. Here is an overview of the cost of heart surgery in Chennai:

• Minimum Heart Surgery Cost in Chennai: ₹1,20,000 to ₹8,00,000
• Maximum Heart Surgery Cost in Chennai: ₹2,60,480 to ₹15,00,000

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

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

Heart surgery involves various tests, anaesthesia, post-surgery care, hospital stays, and surgeon fees besides the surgery itself. Here is a look at the factors influencing heart surgery costs in Chennai:

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

What are the Types of Heart Surgery in Chennai?

Heart surgeries in Chennai vary based on the condition they treat. Advanced facilities and expert surgeons make the city a top destination for cardiac care. The cost of different types of heart surgeries in Chennai is given below:

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

Does Heart Surgery Cost Vary for Different Patients in Chennai?

Heart surgery costs in Chennai can vary based on several key factors. Understanding these factors can help patients and their families better prepare for the financial aspect of the procedure. Here is a detailed look at why costs can differ:

1. Type of Hospital

   Hospitals in Chennai range from high-end private facilities to government-run institutions. Private hospitals often have advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities and offer premium services, leading to higher costs. These hospitals provide enhanced comfort and specialised care, contributing to the overall expense. In contrast, government hospitals may offer more affordable options but with fewer amenities and a lower level of personalised care.

2. Complexity of Heart Surgery

   The complexity of the heart surgery plays a significant role in determining the cost. For instance, open-heart surgeries, such as bypass surgeries, generally cost more than minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty. The extensive resources, advanced technology, and longer operation times required for complex surgeries contribute to higher costs.

3. Type of Procedure

   The cost of heart surgery varies depending on the type of procedure. For example, a heart transplant is significantly more expensive compared to simpler procedures like valve repairs or angioplasties. The complexity of the procedure, the technology involved, and the length of the surgery all impact the overall cost.

4. Duration of Hospitalisation

   The length of stay in the hospital following heart surgery affects the total cost. Procedures requiring extended recovery periods, such as bypass surgeries, will incur higher charges. This is due to the extended use of hospital facilities, longer nursing care, and more comprehensive post-operative monitoring. Conversely, surgeries with shorter recovery times may result in lower overall costs.

5. Health Status of the Patient

   A patient's overall health can significantly influence the cost of heart surgery. Those with pre-existing conditions or complications, such as diabetes or hypertension, may require additional care, extended hospital stays, and specialised treatment. These factors can increase the overall cost of surgery due to the extra resources and time needed for management.

6. Surgeon's Experience and Expertise

   The surgeon's experience and standing can affect the cost of cardiac surgery. Usually, experienced surgeons charge more for their services, as they are highly skilled and well-known in Chennai. Their extensive expertise and track record of successful surgeries can increase costs, compared to a surgeon with less experience.

7. Surgical Devices and Tools Utilised

   The type and quality of medical devices and tools used during heart surgery can also affect the total cost. Sophisticated devices, such as high-quality pacemakers or advanced stents, can be expensive. The choice between internationally branded devices and local alternatives can impact the overall price, with more advanced tools generally costing more.

8. Choice of Hospital Room

   The type of accommodation chosen during the hospital stay can significantly influence the heart surgery costs. Private and luxury rooms, which offer additional amenities, such as air conditioning, personal entertainment systems, and more privacy, are more expensive than shared rooms or general wards. Patients opting for these high-end accommodations will see a notable increase in their hospital bills.

Does Health Insurance Cover Heart Surgery in Chennai?

Yes, most health insurance policies in Chennai cover heart surgeries, including major surgeries like bypass surgery, valve replacements, and angioplasty. They cover the cost of surgery, hospitalisation, medicines, diagnostic tests, etc. However, the extent of coverage may differ from one policy to another and can be confirmed by checking the policy documents.

Heart insurance plans cover the costs of heart-related treatments, including pre-diagnostic tests, hospitalisation expenses, surgery costs, ambulance charges and post-operative rehabilitation treatments. These plans help reduce the financial burden of heart care. On the other hand, critical illness plans provide a lump sum payment when a serious heart condition, like a heart attack or bypass surgery, is diagnosed. This amount can be used for medical expenses or other recovery-related costs.

A waiting period of 30 days applies to all health insurance plans. Critical illness insurance plans come with a waiting period of 90 days, after which the patient can make a claim. Moreover, policyholders must wait up to 3 years for coverage of pre-existing heart conditions.