Apollo Hospitals is one of the leading hospital chains in India. With over 70 hospitals across the country, Apollo has become synonymous with world-class healthcare. However, many people wonder - is Apollo Hospital expensive compared to other hospitals? Let’s analyze the costs and see if Apollo justifies the price tag.
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Why Are Apollo Hospitals Perceived as Expensive?
There are a few reasons why Apollo hospitals are considered more expensive than other hospitals:
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Apollo hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge medical infrastructure like robotic surgeries, proton cancer therapy, organ transplants, and more. Maintaining such advanced infrastructure requires significant investment, leading to higher treatment costs.
Highly Qualified Doctors
Apollo employs the best medical talents in the country and abroad. Their doctors are highly qualified, many having international certifications. Naturally, their consultation fees are higher than average doctors.
Higher Nurse-Patient Ratio
Apollo ensures a high nurse-patient ratio for better individual care. But employing more nurses raises the hospital’s overheads and bed charges.
International Accreditations
Many Apollo hospitals are NABH and JCI accredited, meaning they meet rigorous global healthcare standards. But maintaining such high standards also increases operational costs.
Premium Amenities
Apollo offers premium facilities like luxury private wards, in-house multi-cuisine restaurants, WiFi, concierge services, etc. This improves patient comfort but adds to the overall treatment cost.
Cost Comparison of Apollo Hospitals
While Apollo is perceived as expensive, it may not always be more expensive than other hospitals. Let’s compare the costs across various medical treatments.
Consultation Charges
Apollo’s consultation fees for senior doctors range from ₹1000-₹1500. In contrast, consultation charges at other leading hospitals are ₹500-₹1000. So Apollo is 50-100% more expensive for doctor consultations.
Surgery Costs
For complex surgeries like heart transplant and neurosurgery, Apollo is costlier by 25-30%. However, for routine surgeries like appendectomy, costs are similar to other hospitals.
Emergency Care
Apollo’s emergency room charges for evaluations and medications are 40-60% higher. However, ICU charges are on par with major hospitals due to regulated pricing.
Lab Tests
Diagnostic tests like MRI, CT Scans, and Blood Tests cost nearly the same at Apollo and other accredited hospitals. Standard charges apply.
Medicines
Medicines prescribed at Apollo pharmacies have maximum retail price (MRP) printed. Hence drug costs are identical to outside pharmacies.
Room Rent
Apollo’s private ward room rent is 25-50% higher than other hospitals. But their semi-private and general ward rates are comparable to other good hospitals.
Is the Extra Cost Justified at Apollo?
While Apollo is more expensive than the average hospital, the extra costs may be justified considering the facilities, expertise, and clinical outcomes they provide.
Higher Chances of Successful Treatment
Apollo’s higher success rates for complex surgeries and transplants justify the premium pricing to some extent. The expertise and technology increase the chances of successful treatment.
Personalized Care
Their higher nurse-patient ratio ensures patients get meticulous and personalized care during hospitalization. This improves overall patient experience and satisfaction.
Reduced Risk of Infections
Rigorous infection control protocols at Apollo reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections significantly. This helps faster recovery.
No Surprise Billing
Apollo provides upfront cost estimates for planned treatments, eliminating surprises down the line. Patients can discuss options within their budget.
International Patients
Apollo attracts thousands of international patients annually for advanced treatments. Even with travel expenses, costs are lower than their home country.
Tips to Manage Your Apollo Hospital Bills
While Apollo provides top-notch healthcare, the bills can be expensive for many. Here are some tips to manage your hospitalization expenses at Apollo:
- Discuss your budget constraints upfront and avoid unnecessary tests or procedures if possible.
- Purchase basic health insurance plans that cover hospitalization so that you receive cashless benefit at Apollo.
- Ask if you are eligible for discounts or financial assistance based on income criteria.
- Settle bills through credit card EMI to convert into affordable monthly instalments.
- Use Apollo’s teleconsultation to reduce physical visits. Follow-up digitally wherever feasible.
- Choose Apollo’s network hospitals in suburbs or tier-2 cities as they are more affordable.
- Compare costs across Apollo branches as pricing varies. Opt for the most reasonable facility nearby.
List of Apollo Hospitals:
| Hospital Name | Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Hospital Delhi | Sarita Vihar, New Delhi | (011) 26925858 |
| Apollo Hospital Chennai | Greams Road, Chennai | (044) 28290200 |
| Apollo Hospital Hyderabad | Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad | (040) 23607777 |
| Apollo Hospital Bangalore | Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore | (080) 26308888 |
| Apollo Hospital Kolkata | EM Bypass Road, Kolkata | (033) 23001600 |
| Apollo Hospital Ahmedabad | Off SG Highway, Ahmedabad | (079) 66501800 |
| Apollo Hospital Mumbai | N.A. Sawant Marg, Mumbai | (022) 24177777 |
| Apollo Hospital Indore | Ring Road, Indore | (0731) 4288888 |
| Apollo Hospital Vizag | Main Road, Visakhapatnam | (0891) 2723989 |
| Apollo Hospital Bhubaneswar | Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar | (0674) 6699999 |
| Hospital Name | Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Hospital Bilaspur | Old High Court Road, Bilaspur | (07752) 246666 |
| Apollo Hospital Mysore | 155, Trichy Road, Mysore | (0821) 2501616 |
| Apollo Hospital Pune | Plot No. 13, S No. 89, Nagar Road, Pune | (020) 66831933 |
| Apollo Hospital Nashik | Plot No. 1, S.V. Road, Nashik | (0253) 2586000 |
| Apollo Hospital Madurai | Lake View Road, K.K. Nagar, Madurai | (0452) 2584400 |
| Apollo Hospital Karur | No.62, Thanjavur Main Road, Karur | (04324) 243000 |
| Apollo Hospital Karaikudi | No. 2, Devakottai Road, Karaikudi | (04565) 237111 |
| Apollo Hospital Surat | Between Adajan & Palanpur, Surat | (0261) 2463333 |
| Apollo Hospital Jaipur | Sector B, Tonk Road, Jaipur | (0141) 4040003 |
| Apollo Hospital Bhubaneshwar | Plot No. 251, Old Mumbai Highway, Bhubaneshwar | (0674) 6699999 |
| Hospital Name | Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Hospital Guwahati | GS Road, Christian Basti, Guwahati | (0361) 7071700 |
| Apollo Hospital Kolkata | Canal Circular Road, Kolkata | (033) 64555777 |
| Apollo Hospital Delhi | Mathura Road, New Delhi | (011) 40161616 |
| Apollo Hospital Noida | Sector 26, Noida | (0120) 2440606 |
| Apollo Hospital Lucknow | Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow | (0522) 6061111 |
| Apollo Hospital Varanasi | NH 29, Varanasi | (0542) 2226600 |
| Apollo Hospital Patna | Saguna More, Danapur, Patna | (0612) 3507777 |
| Apollo Hospital Goa | Tivim, Bardez, Goa | (0832) 6645858 |
| Apollo Hospital Ranchi | Khelgaon, Ranchi | (0651) 2526677 |
| Apollo Hospital Dhaka | Plot 81, Block E, Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka | +8809612506660 |
Conclusion
While Apollo hospitals are perceived to be more expensive, the prices may be justified in certain cases considering the expertise, clinical excellence, and infrastructure they offer. Patients have options to choose affordable packages or branches and discuss financial constraints openly to receive the best care within budget. With some smart decisions, you can get Apollo’s renowned healthcare without overspending.