Rhinoplasty Without Insurance?

Rhinoplasty for cosmetic shaping and refinement of the nose is not covered by most insurance plans except in the case of recent accident and injury which can be well documented. Breathing difficulties can be covered, however again insurance is usually very careful to exclude any cosmetic changes made to the nose. Surgeons are used to working under these limitations and you should have no trouble finding a nasal surgeon to care for you without insurance coverage as a self paying patient. The... more

Your question brings up several issues. One issue is whether a CT scan will be ordered. A CT is not necessary for evaluation of the external shape of the nose. That assessment is done by the surgeon looking at the nose and in the nose, and by feeling the nose. A CT scan would be required if there is suspicion of sinus disease or maxillofacial trauma. A second issue is that of insurance. Improving the appearance of the nose is not covered by insurance anyway, so the point is moot. Plus, many... more

Hi S, If you have had a history of sinus infections and wish to have possible sinus surgery along with rhinoplasty, then a C.T. scan of your sinuses would by indicated. A CT scan is not necessary for rhinoplasty or for straightening of the nose. Most insurance companies will not cover rhinoplasty, consequently most rhinoplasty surgery is done without insurance. In the rare instance of a complication that would require hospitalization, then you would be responsible for the hospital... more

Some insurance companies have required scans for preauthorization which is ironic because the scan costs almost as much as they pay in network doctors. This is probably part of a plan to deny payment or to create such difficult barriers to surgery that patients either give up or pay out of pocket.

A rhinoplasty is not covered by any medical insurance whatsoever and is considered completely cosmetic. If the nose has been broken by an injury it can sometimes be covered under a medical insurance plan if the procedure is simply to correct the nose for any breathing problems that was the result of the injury. A CAT scan of the sinuses is only needed for chronic sinus disease to diagnose chronic allergic nasal polyps located inside the sinuses. There is no reason to get a CAT scan of... more

Rarely in my practice do I order a CT scan for patients that present with interest in performing a cosmetic rhinoplasty. As stated by some of the other specialists, insurance companies don't cover the cosmetic (or external, as they see it) portion of a rhinoplasty. They will cover internal problems causing airway obstruction or external problems caused by trauma or cancer. If you don't have health insurance and are paying cash, you should speak with your surgeon about the... more

I think you may be confusing two different issues. Surgeons rarely need a CT scan for a rhinoplasty. However, they frequently request it when contemplating a functional rhinoplasty in which the sinuses or breathing disorders are also being treated. Plastic surgeons will not likely refuse your request but in this era of defensive medicine, they may request that you sign a document stating that you refused the recommendation. If you are seeking to improve your breathing, then I would advise... more

Hi! You can certainly have a rhinoplasty without a C.T. scan.  And cosmetic surgery of your nose is not covered by insurance anyway.  If you have real breathing problems that can be corrected together with your rhinoplasty, that may be covered by insurance.

 If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, then a rhinoplasty is an option for treatment. I do not routinely get CT scans unless there are strong indications to obtain one. Usually this is related to breathing issues.

If your nose is very twisted then a rhinoplasty and possible septoplasty would be needed to straighten your nose. Do you have any difficulty breathing through your nose? Most insurance companies will cover the surgeon's fee, and the hospital fee to repair a broken nose. Many of the Rhinoplasties I perform have both a functional, and cosmetic component. Although insurance won't completely cover your fees, you could save thousands of dollars if you have a health insurance policy. For subtle... more

I am a doubly boarded plastic surgeon (ent was the other) and I do a lot of noses. You do not need a CT and most insurances do not pay for a Rhinoplasty so I don't even bother with insurance. Go for it.

Hi A CT scan is not needed for a rhinoplasty whether the nose is crooked or not. CT scan is only needed for Facial bone issues and for Sinus issues. A crooked nose is a clinical diagnosis based on your surgeon's examination with his own eyes. Now, having insurance is not a bad thing in case there are post-op issues that require further work such as a post op infection needing more antibiotics or a post-op nose bleed, requiring a trip back to the O.R., etc. Its nice to have the insurance... more

Unless you have significant breathing problems or a history of sinusitis, it is very unlikely that your plastic surgeon would want you to get a CT scan. If the purpose of surgery is simply to straighten your crooked nose, most plastic surgeons would rely upon physical examination and preoperative photographs to plan your operation. It is imperative that you maintain an open line of communication with your surgeon. If you explain that you do not have health insurance, he or she will be less... more