Breast Augmentation: Q&A

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Who Pays for the Cost of Emergency Room After Surgery if It Becomes Necessary?

If something goes wrong and I end up in an ER as a result of a breast augmentation surgery, who will pay for the ER's cost? I asked my insurance company, and they said because it's cosmetic surgery based reason, they don't cover the cost. I called my surgeon's office and the receptionist said if insurance doesn't cover, it would be on me. Really? Then how much I need to be prepare myself for this worst scenario?

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by gold in Chicago, IL

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Who Pays for the Cost of Emergency Room After Surgery if It Becomes Necessary?

It is so rare, it probably is not worth worrying about!! In almost 20 years of practice, I have never had one patient that needed the ER after Breast Augmentation. And as has been suggested, always call your surgeon before going to an ER...And some insurance companies will cover emergencies, just not anything elective...But you really should not need it....

Emergency room after breast augmentation

Going to an emergency post breast augmentation is rarely needed. In 30 years of practice, we have had one patient go and that was from anxiety. Each office would handle this situation differently. In our case, we worked with the hospital to waive the fees.

ER costs and insurance.

The likelihood of a visit to an ER is very low following a breast augmentation. However, should this occur, the costs can be significant. You have done the appropriate first steps by contacting your insurance provider to see if they cover the costs. There are separate insurance companies which will provide term limited coverage for cosmetic procedures. CosmetAssure is one company that provides this service. Ask your plastic surgeon about this prior to having your procedure done. more

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Hospital treatment after elective breast surgery

Fortunately, hospital treatment after elective breast surgery is rare, especially if you go to qualified plastic surgeon who has been diligent in screening you from a health standpoint for your upcoming surgery. However, emergencies can happen and it will be difficult to predict whether or not a post operative ER visit or hospitalization would be covered by your insurance company. There is a company that provides insurance for complications after cosmetic surgery if the complication occurs... more

Cosmetic Surgery and Emergency Room Visit

Complications following cosmetic plastic surgery is extremely rare when performed by a Board certified Plastic Surgeon. Most health insurance companies will not cover the cost of ER visits from cosmetic surgery. We offer all our patients CosmetAssure to give everyone the peace of mind about their cosmetic surgery. However, if you are considering cosmetic surgery, make sure that your Plastic Surgeon is a “real Plastic surgeon”. There is a huge difference between Plastic Surgeons... more

Who pays for post operative complications?

Great question. A trip to the ER is very, very rare after cosmetic surgery but complications can happen and sometimes they need attention after hours. And sometimes they need hospitalization. And, oh yeah, it's expensive. I cover all of my cosmetic patients with Cosmetassure which covers postoperative complications that occur within 30 days of surgery. I sleep better at night. Check out my blog on this topic.

Going to the ER after breast augmentation

Although this is very unlikely, I've heard of it happening and yes, you would likely be responsible for your bills. Be informed that there are companies, CosmetAssure is one example we carry, that provide insurance specifically for the procedure you are having. It's a one-time fee paid at the time you sign up for surgery and covers you in case there are problems. It's like purchasing travel insurance, you don't think you are going to get sick or injured in a... more

Emergency Room Costs after Elective Cosmetic Surgery

It is extremely rare for a patient to end up in the emergency room after breast augmentation surgery. Some insurance companies will cover any emergency situation and others will not cover emergency visits that are the result of cosmetic surgery. It is best to check with your insurance carrier to find out their policy. However, I would proceed with your breast augmentation and not expect to visit the emergency room after surgery. If you experience any untoward issues after the... more

Breast augmentation and emergency room

While it is a rare occurrence, it could possible happen. Many insurance companied will not cover emergency care after cosmetic surgery. CosmetAssure is a company that can offer insurance for just this problem.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

CosmetAssure has you covered

This is an excellent question. Complications following cosmetic plastic surgery are not common, but they do occur. And, very few people who are gong to have cosmetic surgery budget for this eventuality. Because your normal heath insurance generally won't pay for the care of a complication that is entirely attributable to a cosmetic operation. Many plastic surgeons provide coverage for this by participating with CosmetAssure. This will cover the cost of caring... more

Emergency care for post-op complications

Many insurance companies will not pay for consequences of cosmetic surgery. You can purchase a special policy from Cosmetassure. Otherwise, this would be your financial responsibility. It is always a good idea NOT to go straight into an emergency room but to contact your treating plastic surgeon. This is also why having surgery outside your home location and developing a complication later can have serious financial consequences if you cannot get back to the plastic surgeon who performed... more

Medical expenses after breast augmentation

There are insurance plans out there that might attempt to deny coverage for medically necessary care related to cosmetic breast augmentation. Some plans might even have a specific rider stating their noncoverage. The risk of a trip to the ER after breast augmentation is very low, and has not been an event in our practice though choose your doctor carefully, as the cost of problems just might be yours. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Who Pays For Complications After Cosmetic Surgery?

Dear Gold, Many plastic surgeons carry a supplemental insurance policy that helps cover the costs of unexpected complications that require hospitalization after a cosmetic procedure. The most commonly used company is Cosmetassure though there are others also that provide this coverage. While this does add slightly to the costs for a cosmetic surgery, the peace of mind it provides many patients and their surgeons is often worth it. No plastic surgeon or patient expects... more

Costs of Unexpected Care after Cosmetic Surgery Should Always be Considered

Hi there- The information you have been given so far is accurate- health insurance carriers will not cover the costs of complications arising as a result of cosmetic surgery, no matter the severity of the complication. Some surgeons do offer Cosmetassure, which is essentially insurance that does cover these problems, but it also increases the costs of your surgery... The best way to protect yourself from unwanted complications and unplanned expenses is to choose your surgeon in... more

There is a solution

Many plastic surgeons participate with a company called CosmetAssure that will provide coverage for certain common complications that occur after cosmetic surgery. You should inquire about this type of program and consider this as one factor in choosing yoiur surgeon.

Who Pays for ER Visits if Necessary After Surgery

Most surgeons have financial policies that are in writing and have to be reviewed and signed by the patient before any surgery is scheduled. That policy varies from one office to the next. Be sure you know the answer to your question from your chosen surgeon.