Health Insurance and Plastic Surgery
Breast Reduction, Eyelid Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Rhinoplasty Comments (3)
Almost everybody knows that cosmetic plastic surgery is an elective procedure not covered by health insurance.
But there are some exceptions like:
- Rhinoplasty – If your breathing is obstructed, your health insurance may cover all or part of surgery.
- Breast reduction – If very large, heavy breasts cause other health woes, help may be at hand.
- Upper eyelid surgery – When upper eyelids fall across the eyeballs, insurance may kick in.
It’s always best to check with your health insurance company first. They usually need to see a doctor’s letter or report that your breathing is obstructed, that you have back and neck pains or that your vision is affected by sagging eyelids. The key to coverage is the term, medically necessary.
Of course, the plastic surgeon’s first task in, say, rhinoplasty is repairing breathing. But in performing the surgery, the patient’s nose often looks better afterwards. (Read more about nose surgery.)
Very large, pendulous breasts usually cause neck and back problems, among other health concerns. Some patients have such heavy breasts that the bra straps actually create notches in the shoulder bones.
Of course, the breast reduction patient looks much better after healing but her health is also improved; she will very likely avoid future treatments for neck, back and shoulder pain. (View some breast reduction before and after pictures.)
An eye care professional usually must provide a letter about the patient’s vision being obscured. Then, insurers may cover the procedure.
Other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures that may be covered include:
- Face lift after a terrible accident
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy due to cancer
- Ear deformities or injuries
- Hand surgery because of carpel tunnel syndrome
See our post about young children having otoplasty, or ear pinning, before starting school.
Have you ever had insurance help with a plastic surgery procedure? Leave a comment!
admin @ December 9, 2008
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