Liposuction Q&A
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Major Health Issues- Possible For Liposuction To Be Covered by Health Insurance?
asked 8 months ago by broken
Latest answer by Lori H. Saltz, MD
Question viewed 135 times
Tags: health problem, insurance
41 yr old male - spine is breaking down - suffer from degenerative disc disease - chronic pain syndrome plus artheritus in several areas of the body - have gone thru 18 surgeries so far. I need 3 surgeries right now but pain management program and neurosurgeon want me to try and live with condition for awhile. recieving social security disability an private long term disability. 6 ft tall weight 290-300 lbs. almost bed ridden. knee's are shot - would health ins. consider covering lipo?
7 answers to Major Health Issues- Possible For Liposuction To Be Covered by Health Insurance?
+2
Liposuction would be imprudent and not covered by any insurance company
Given the scenario that you have provided, there really is not a good and prudent indication to undergo liposuction. In addition, no insurance company will cover this cosmetic procedure based simply because of your underlying medical condition. You could benefit from nutritional counseling and significant weight loss.
Good luck!
+2
Liposuction and medical indications
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. I do not know of any conditions for which this would be covered.
+2
Liposuction for obesity?
I am not aware of any medical indications for liposuction other than lipodystrophy caused by certain HIV medications. For weight loss, your doctor may consider bariatric surgery; these procedures you may be familiar with and include gastric banding and gastric bypass.
+2
Medical Insurance companies' Coverage of Liposuction for Obesity
At 6 foot and 300 pounds you have a BMI of over 40 qualifying you as Morbidly Obese. There is no doubt that some of this weight has caused or worsened your spine and joint issue. BUT - Liposuction is NOT a weight loss procedure and the most weight we can take off in an outpatient procedure is around 10 pounds. As a result, NO insurance company would pay for it as if it was a medically indicated operation.
On the other hand, MOST medical insurance companies and Medicare WILL pay for you...
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+2
Health
So sorry to hear of your health issues. I am not aware of any insurance coverage for liposuction in your situation.
You may have more success in obtaining coverage for nutritional counseling to assist in weight loss.
+1
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure
You have some very unfortunate medical problems. Your weight and stature are such that you are considered morbidly obese. This undoubtedly contributes to your other problems. Liposuction is not considered a weight loss procedure and insurance would not cover it. Your life vitually depends on finding a solution that is lifelong. Liposuction will not prevent you from gaining weight. Your body will find ways to store the extra calories you are taking in...
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+1
Liposuction Candidate?
Thank you for the question.
Unfortunately, you are not a good candidate for liposuction surgery; in other words, it is not a procedure that will help you (and may actually expose you to significant risk). Consultation with a bariatric surgeon and/or weight loss specialist may be beneficial.
Best wishes.
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