When Hernia Surgery Is Necessary and the Benefits of Choosing Self-Pay/Cash-Pay for Your Procedure

A hernia happens when internal tissue, like part of your intestine, pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall. It’s a very common injury, and if you find yourself diagnosed with a hernia and you’re wondering what to do next, you’re not alone.

You might be wondering if hernia surgery is your only treatment option and, if that’s the case, how you’ll pay for it. Steven Patching, MD, and our team are here to help. We offer advanced hernia repair surgery in Sacramento, California, and we have flexible payment options to help you get the care you need, when you need it.

When hernia surgery becomes necessary

The most common symptom of a hernia is a visible bulge beneath your skin at the point where tissue protrudes through the wall of muscle in your abdomen. Some hernias are small and rarely cause other symptoms, but others can contribute to localized pain or discomfort with activity, lifting, or prolonged standing.

Hernias don’t heal on their own, and sometimes, surgery becomes necessary to repair the weak spot where tissue has broken through. We typically recommend surgery when:

• The hernia is causing worsening pain that interferes with daily life
• The hernia bulge is gradually getting bigger
• Certain activities worsen your symptoms

There are some cases in which hernia surgery can be life-saving. For example, serious hernia complications like strangulation or incarceration restrict blood flow to your organs and necessitate immediate treatment.

The benefits of minimally invasive hernia surgery

Dr. Patching and our team specialize in minimally invasive hernia repair using robotic or laparoscopic techniques. This type of surgery is less disruptive to your body, and it offers some substantial benefits compared to traditional open surgery.

Both robot-assisted surgery and laparoscopic surgery use tiny entry points. These small incisions mean a lower risk of post-op complications, including infection, and less scarring as you heal. 

Because surrounding tissues experience less trauma, people often need fewer pain medications and report a more comfortable recovery following minimally invasive hernia repair. In fact, many patients can return to light activity within days, shortening downtime and reducing disruptions in daily life. 

When to consider self-pay or cash-pay for hernia surgery

Cash pay for hernia surgery means paying a set, upfront fee directly to your surgical center instead of going through health insurance. This option often provides transparent pricing, fewer billing surprises, and faster access to care without insurance delays.

More people are exploring self-pay options than ever before. Here are some of the benefits:

Avoiding high deductibles and copays

Traditional insurance may leave you with significant out-of-pocket costs. Paying cash often turns out to be more affordable — especially when you haven’t met your deductible or your coverage is limited. 

Transparent pricing

Our practice leverages our expertise in minimally invasive surgery and access to a private outpatient surgery center to offer a transparent cash rate for hernia repairs, often at a reduced rate compared to insurance-pay. Many people are surprised to find out how affordable cash-pay can be.

Simplicity and speed

With cash-pay, you can skip the delays and red tape. Paying cash means no lengthy pre-authorizations and faster access to the operating room — ideal for those who want relief from their symptoms and personalized care without navigating insurance hassles. 

Greater choice and privacy

Self-pay gives you the ability to choose your surgeon and maintain more control over your care, regardless of insurance networks. It also provides a greater sense of privacy because procedures aren’t routed through your insurer.

Is cash-pay right for you?

If you need hernia surgery, cash-pay might be a good option if you:

• Don’t have hernia coverage
• Are facing delays in care due to approval processes
• Have a high deductible
• Have a limited insurance plan
• Prioritize speed and transparency over navigating insurance protocols

That said, we also take many insurance plans. If your insurance is robust with low out-of-pocket costs, you may still prefer to go the traditional route. We're happy to discuss both options and help you decide what’s best for your situation.

When a hernia disrupts your life — or risks becoming an emergency — surgery is necessary. And if you're looking for simplicity, transparency, and affordability, self-pay may be the ideal path. Contact Steven Patching, MD, to learn more, and let’s build a plan focused on your comfort, recovery, and peace of mind.