Rhinoplasty Without Insurance?

I've had a crooked nose since the time I entered high school. I never had enough money to fix it until now. The main problem now is that I do not have any health insurance.

If the plastic surgeon wants me to get a C.T. scan, I am definitely refusing. Would you recommend for me to get a Rhinoplasty procedure without insurance and without a CT scan of my facial bones?

Also, do you think the plastic surgeon would refuse to perform on me?

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by saisenzomo in LI,NY

Doctor Answers (13)
Community Comments (0)

Rhinoplasty not covered by insurance

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

Rhinoplasty is not often covered by medical 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

Patient compliance is important (but I doubt a CT will be required)

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

Rhinoplasty Without Insurance or CT Scan

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

Michael A. Persky, MD

21 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

Rhinoplasty does not require a .CT scan

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.

CT scan is used to help rule out sources of airway obstruction

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

CT scans of the nose are used to evaluate obstruction or sinus disease

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

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You do not need a C.T. scan for a rhinoplasty.

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.

Rhinoplasty

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.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

All crooked noses do not require surgery.

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