4. Although financial data is sketchy an estimate from a construction company indicates that adding bed capacity would cost about $100,000 per bed. In addition the rate charged for the hernia surgery varies between about $900 to $2,000 (U.S. dollars). With an average rate of $1,300 per operation. The surgeons are paid a flat $600 per operation. Due to all the uncertainties in government health care legislation. Shouldice would like to justify any expansion with in a five-year time period