Although financial data are sketchy, an estimate from construction company indicates that adding bed capicity would cost about $100000 per bed. IN addition, the rate charged for the hernia surgery varies between about $900 and $2000, with an average rate of $1300 per operation. The surgeons are paid a flat $600 per operation. Due to all the unvertainties in govenrment health care legislation, Shouldice would like to justify any expansion within a five-year time period.