|
Post by jenn2427 on Sept 17, 2012 0:51:10 GMT -5
Has anyone gotten their insurance to cover a tummy tuck to get rid of the extra skin after gastric bypass surgery? Is so , which insurance and HOW? Had my surgery in 2004 at 170lbs with tons of extra skin
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Sept 17, 2012 4:28:59 GMT -5
Generally, no insurance will pay for more than a panniculectomy; just the removal of excess skin. To get that, you'll need to document a history of pcp visits to deal with rashes and skin breaking down. I believe that there may also be a requirement for how low it hangs. I've read where it has to hang low enough to cover your privates when standing, but if you have serious skin issues that might be waived.
What some people do is get approval for the panni removal and then pay extra out of pocket to complete a full tuck. That way insurance pays the bulk of the expenses.
Insurance will only pay for what is medically necessary.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2012 13:22:38 GMT -5
Back in 2006 I had my entire TT covered by insurance (Cigna) -- didn't even have to fight for it. My plastic surgeon took lots of pictures and wrote a great medical necessity letter. I never had any rashes or skin issues - just a huge panni from losing 170 pounds. Not sure if it still works the same. Good luck.
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Sept 17, 2012 15:53:44 GMT -5
Back in 2006 I had my entire TT covered by insurance (Cigna) -- didn't even have to fight for it. My plastic surgeon took lots of pictures and wrote a great medical necessity letter. I never had any rashes or skin issues - just a huge panni from losing 170 pounds. Not sure if it still works the same. Good luck. How lucky are you! I hope you play the lottery! I have NEVER heard of an insurance doing that ever. I know one woman who had loads of plastics done through the VA, but even that was a special case and not the norm.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2012 6:02:45 GMT -5
I know!! The surgeon I went to had been successful in getting several other WLS patients get approved -- one even got approved for arms and thighs -- hence the reason I went to him. He's an excellent surgeon with a great reputation (albiet a little conservative). I wanted a full lower body lift but he doesn't do them because he refuses to turn someone over during plastic surgery, so he went basically hip to hip for my TT. I also had a breast lift done at the same time that I paid out of pocket.
I think the entire thing cost me about $3-4K out of pocket for TT and breast lift. I had a horrible recovery but I'm thrilled with the results.
Ironically I had to fight to the death for them (Cigna) to cover my DS -- which they ultimately did.
|
|