Breast Reconstruction Due to Eating Disorder Covered by Insurance?

asked 2 years ago by branon in Hickory NC
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 270 times
Tags: eating disorder, insurance

I suffered throughout my teens and twenties with an eating disorder - and bound my breasts throughout those same years. Although my breasts are not very large (b cup) it is quite obvious that the muscle tissue has been compromised. I have had a family Doctor suggest I look to insurance to cover a breast lift/reconstruction. Is Breast reconstruction an insurable option?

6 answers to Breast Reconstruction Due to Eating Disorder Covered by Insurance?

Insurance coverage for breast lift

Unfortunately breast lift surgery is not covered by insurance. You will have to figure out a way to pay for it.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reconstruction

Reconstruction after mastectomy or for breast cancer must be covered by insurance thanks to the only health care mandate that is federal law (1998 federal law). However, for your scenario, insurance companies will deem any surgery for your breasts as cosmetic. Please visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

Breast Reconstruction for atrophy due to eating disorder

Hi there- I am very sorry to hear that you are still having to deal with physical problems relating to your previous problems with food... I hope you are able to achieve long term happiness and peace. Unfortunately, I do not think that you should be optimistic that your insurer will care whether or not your breasts are pretty, or even within the range of what a reasonable person would call normal in appearance. The unfortunate truth is that the insurance programs are "for-pro more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Insurance for perceived breast deformity

I am sure you went through a very difficult time in your teenage years with an eating disorder. Unfortunately, insurance will only pay for medical problems such as breast reduction causing back pain or a deformity caused by a disease such as breast cancer or trauma. Although you may be unhappy with the appearance of your breasts that would not be a reason for insurance to cover the surgery. In my 20 years of practice, I have never known them to do this and it is just the opposite - they... more

Steven Schuster, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction for non-mastectomy situation

I am sympathetic to your situation but doubt you will be able to fine any coverage for anything considered to be "breast reconstruction" other than for a mastectomy. Whatever else has caused the breast issues would be considered cosmetic since you can "live" as you are. Remember that insurance draws a sharp line between anything that is "functional" and is medically necessary for your survival and groups all else into the non-covered cosmetic these days.... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Insurance Coverage for Psychiatric related Breast Deformity

Improving the appearance of the breast is RARELY if ever an operation paid for by insurance companies. In my experience, they never pay for straight forward breast lifts and I seriously doubt that they could be induced to pay for a potentially more complicated breast lift / reconstruction possibly related to your former, now hopefully corrected, eating disorder and breast binding. I would contact several Plastic surgeons (check www.PlasticSurgery.org) near you and see several of them. You... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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