From $32,000 to $9,600: How One Employer Fixed a Costly Pattern in Hernia Care

Who is this for?At-a-Glance The Problem The Turning Point The Solution The Outcome Strategic Insight Testimonial

Who is this case study for?

Employers managing rising spend in outpatient general surgery

At-a-Glance

Procedure Type: Inguinal Hernia Repair

Total Bundle Price: $9,600

Typical PPO Allowed Amount: $30,000–$35,000

Savings to Employer: $23,000

Time Off Work: 5 days

Location: Houston, TX

The Problem

A regional logistics company with 280 employees had seen three recent hernia repairs billed between $28,000 and $35,000 through their PPO network. Despite being considered "minor" surgeries, these claims came with unpredictable pricing, facility fees, and out-of-pocket confusion for employees. The HR director was frustrated by the lack of cost control and the plan’s inability to steer members to high-value providers.

The Turning Point

When another employee was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, the company’s benefits consultant recommended TMM’s bundled surgical platform. The employee was offered a direct path to care: flat pricing, rapid scheduling, and access to one of Houston’s top outpatient surgeons.

The Solution

The employee’s care was delivered under a $9,600 bundled rate, which covered all services from pre-op consult to post-op follow-up. Surgery was scheduled within 72 hours at an accredited, ASC-based facility known for fast recovery protocols and minimal infection risk. The patient received tailored discharge instructions and a short-term follow-up plan coordinated through TMM’s care team—without needing to navigate multiple billing departments.

The Outcome

The plan saved over $23,000 compared to its PPO claims history for the same procedure. The employee returned to work after just five days of recovery, with no complications and no financial surprises. HR reported zero complaints and noted the employee shared the experience with coworkers—boosting overall confidence in the health plan’s value.

Strategic Insight

Routine surgeries like hernia repairs are quietly draining self-funded plans—not because of medical complexity, but due to network inefficiency and cost opacity. By introducing TMM’s bundled pricing for outpatient general surgery, this employer gained a predictable, repeatable model for cost containment—without adding administrative complexity. This case reinforces a core truth: cost control doesn’t require disruption—it just requires a better path to the same care.

Testimonial

“I couldn’t believe the cost difference—and our employee was back at work in under a week. It’s a no-brainer to make this our default path for procedures like this going forward.”

Benefits Consultant

Southeast Texas

Navigation

PAY BILL

Contact Info

Phone: (512) 275-6471

ADDRESS:

1001 S Mays St #205 Round Rock, TX 78664

IMPORTANT! All information presented in this website is intended for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of rendering medical advice. Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Our Services

Who We Serve

Bundle Prices

Our Specialists

Resources