How Do We Define Quality?
Many surgeons traditionally define quality in hernia surgery by measuring outcomes such as recurrence and infection rates. While these are important metrics, at Boston Hernia, we believe quality encompasses much more.
We are committed not only to reducing recurrence and infection but also to creating a patient-centered, comfortable experience. We understand that patients care deeply about how surgery affects their quality of life, and we make that our priority1,2. To that end, we define quality through the following five pillars:
1. Relationships – Built on Trust and Communication
Each patient at Boston Hernia is cared for by a dedicated team consisting of a surgeon (MD) and a physician assistant (PA). Research has shown that team-based care improves patient outcomes and satisfaction3.
New patient consultations are not just about diagnosing a hernia—they’re an opportunity for education and support. We ensure every patient feels confident and well-informed before their surgery. If that means scheduling an extra appointment for more questions, we’re happy to do so.
2. Efficiency – Valuing Your Time
Thanks to our focused expertise, we can typically diagnose and recommend a treatment plan within 10 minutes through a detailed history and physical exam. We order imaging or additional testing only when it is clinically necessary, which is supported by current best practices in hernia management4.
By limiting our scope to a few conditions, we’re able to provide high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective care.
3. Amenities – Comfortable Facilities, Seamless Experience
Our clean, modern facilities are designed to enhance comfort and reduce stress. We make every effort to see patients on time and avoid long waits. Parking is always free, close to the office, and easy to access.
Our staff is friendly, professional, and focused on creating a smooth and supportive experience from start to finish.
4. Outcome Measures – A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
We actively monitor and measure patient-reported quality of life before and after surgery. Our practice participates in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC), a national registry dedicated to improving hernia surgery across North America5.
Dr. Reinhorn leads the ACHQC’s Opioid Reduction Task Force, which focuses on minimizing the need for postoperative opioids without compromising patient comfort. Data from the registry helps us track patient outcomes and identify areas for ongoing improvement.
5. Patient Safety – Always Our Top Priority
Patient satisfaction is a strong reflection of safety and quality. Our Net Promoter Score consistently exceeds 80%, placing us among top-tier practices for patient loyalty and satisfaction6.
Our testimonials page provides real experiences from patients about their time with us. But we are never satisfied with the status quo—your feedback helps us improve. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with our team.
Dr. Reinhorn speaks about patient-centered care at the 2025 Work Related Injuries Workshop in Waltham, MA.
Our Annual Quality Reports:
Yearly Surgical Volumes:
2022 volumes
Dr. Fullington – 496 hernias
Dr. Reinhorn – 463 hernias
2021 volumes
Dr. Fullington – 313 hernias (from May to Dec 2021)
Dr. Reinhorn – 527 hernias
Prior to 2021 – 4,401 hernias
Inguinal Hernia Quality Outcomes
We completed a study in 2017 that looked at short term post-operative hernia outcomes that were important to our inguinal hernia patients. We learned the following:
– 60% of patients did not use opioids (narcotics) for post operative pain
– Of those that did take narcotics, 66% used 4 pills or less
– 0 patients were still taking narcotic pain medication by the time of post-op appointment
– 92% of patients reported at post-op appointment that pain had little to no effect on daily life
– Almost 40% of patients missed 0 days of work after surgery
In August 2017, we published a paper, about hernia outcomes, based on our study that focuses on decreasing opioid prescribing after hernia surgery. Check it out here.
We joined the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative in order to provide our patients with the highest quality care. This initiatives looks at hernia outcomes for a variety of hernia procedures. Please click on the logo below to learn more about it.
Approximate Cost Data*:
Total approximate costs of a single side primary hernia surgery in a healthy patient: $6,975-$15,000. This includes the following:
*These numbers are approximations of various insurance payments to the facility and providers for healthy patients without any additional medical problems undergoing a single, uncomplicated inguinal hernia. These numbers are only estimates. The cost to an individual patient depends on your insurance plan, the type of hernia(s), medical history, and various other factors.
For self pay patients, once we evaluate you, we will try to come up with the highest quality, most cost effective solution. During your initial consultation, the providers will address your needs and be able to provide you with a more exact quote for surgery. Our self pay fee for a new patient appointment is $350.
We are now providing select patients with an all inclusive hernia bundle price. This includes the preoperative evaluation, surgeon fee, assistant fee, anesthesia fee and facility fee.
References:
1. Sams E, Stephenson BM. “Delivering what inguinal hernia patients really really want.” Hernia. 2023 Dec;27(6):1617.
2. Muysoms FE, Vanlander A, Ceulemans R, et al. (2016) – Quality of life after laparoscopic hernia repair with self-fixating mesh.
3. Smith, S. M., et al. (2018). Team-based care and patient outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health.
4. HerniaSurge Group. International guidelines for groin hernia management. Hernia. 2018 Feb;22(1):1-165. doi: 10.1007/s10029-017-1668-x. Epub 2018 Jan 12. PMID: 29330835; PMCID: PMC5809582.
5. Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC). https://achqc.org
6. Reichheld, F. (2003). The One Number You Need to Grow. Harvard Business Review.
7. Chilingerian, J. A. (n.d.). The Discipline of Strategy: Learning from the Best Managed Healthcare Organizations. Executive Education Program, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University. Retrieved from https://heller.brandeis.edu/executive-education/pdfs/DisciplineofStrat.pdf