Breast Reduction Q&A
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Complications after surgery

asked 5 months ago by TallOne in Davenport, IA
Latest answer by Ann F. Reilley, MD
Question viewed 97 times

My question is this....if my insurance denies me coverage and I go ahead with the reduction, if I encounter problems afterwards will my insurance company cover the costs involved with getting those problems resolved....ie infections that may lead to hospitalization so forth?

10 answers to Complications after surgery

+1

Complications after surgery

I cannot answer this question with any certainty as this deals with the contract between you and your insurance company. I agree that if your agent says they would cover a complication please get that answer in writing! Yes, the chances that you would have a complication requiring hospitalization are low, but if you are the one with the complication, then for you the rate was 100%. Do all that you can to avoid complications by following your surgeons pre- and post-operative... more
Ann F. Reilley, MD

Baton Rouge Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance Coverage for Noncovered Breast Reduction

This is a tricky issue and you need to read the fine print in your insurance plan. While your breast reduction may not be cosmetic, the insurance company may feel differently. You should be prepared to deal with whatever complications arise using your own funds. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.
Karol A. Gutowski, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage for cosmetic surgery complications

Some insurance companies are very clever in their contacts, and may exclude complications from cosmetic surgery. Breast implants particularly come up as restricted in policies. The best way to know is to contact the consumer line of your insurance carrier and ask questions, and ask for confirmation in writing. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Complications after Breast Reduction and Insurance Coverage?

Thank you for the question. Every insurance company will have a different policy in regards to coverage of complications after “noncovered procedures”. Therefore, for the most precise answer you will have to check with your insurance company. Generally speaking most insurance companies will cover medically necessary diagnoses such as infections, bleeding, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism etc. Fortunately, the incidence of serious... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Complications after surgery

It depends upon the health insurance plan that you have. Call your company to discuss to at least understand the plan coverages and restrictions.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction Complications and Insurance Coverage

Dear TallOne, Each insurance policy has its on limits on what is covered and what is not covered. This is why a large company can sometimes cover a procedure or a complication of a procedure and in another one of the policies it issued, those very same areas are not covered. The only way to know is to read your own individual policy. Many insurance carriers will not cover the costs associated with complications of a procedure that they did not originally cover.... more
Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Concern regarding insurance coverage for non-covered breast reduction surgery complications

The answer to your question should be directed to an insurance with your insurance company. If the answer is yes, you probably want to have this in writing. With that said, the risk that you would require hospitalization for a breast reduction complication is extremely low. Most issues are minor in nature and can be addressed in an office visit.
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

+1

Insurance coverage for complications following breast reduction surgery

In my experience, if you have a complication directly related to the surgical procedure such as an infection or bleeding that requires surgical care or hospitalization, insurance will cover these problems. If you have, on the other hand, cosmetic issues with the scar or shape of the breasts then coverage is much less likely.
Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage after complicated cosmetic surgery

Most complications can be taken care of with minimal cost. For extremely complex problems your insurance plan may or may not offer coverage, though for emergencies the insurance company is usually in the hook. Read you plan and all the fine print: there may be some guidance there.
Daniel Greenwald, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Complications after surgery

Very difficult 1 to answer. as I am sure you know each insurance company has its own set of rules and regulations. none of us are going to be able to give you a definitive answer. best bet on this 1 is to call your insurance company and even then try to get something in writing.
Sherwood Baxt, MD

New Jersey Plastic Surgeon

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