Where Do I Start For Breast Reduction?

I would like to get an evaluation for a breast reduction? How do I start the process? Do I start with my general physician for a referral?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by science teacher

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It is best to start with your primary care provider

I think it is typically best to start with your primary care provider. You should have a frank discussion about all of your symptoms such as pain, rashes, shoulder grooves, headaches, etc. They should clearly document your complaints. They should also administer the appropriate conservative therapies. In addition, they should be able to facilitate a referral to a respected board certified plastic surgeon in your area if the conservative therapies prove ineffective, as... more

Breast reduction

To get things moving quickly you should probably see a plastic surgeon first if you think you are a candidate for a breast reduction. Different insurance companies will request different things, so you will have to find out what they require.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction; Where do I Start?

Thank you for the question. If you are dealing with an HMO insurance plan, you will likely need to meet with your primary care physician for a referral to a plastic surgeon in the plan. If you are covered by a PPO insurance plan, then this referral will not be necessary. The same will hold true if you are paying for the breast reduction procedure out of pocket. Ultimately, it will be up to you to do your due diligence in the process of plastic surgeon... more

Investigating breast reduction surgery

There are basically two pathways to consider, one with insurance coverage, the other as a cosmetic (self-pay) procedure. For insurance coverage you need to follow the rules of your insurance company: some require referral from your primary care doctor, some don't; some require failure of conservative therapy first; some have requirements as to how much tissue must be removed, etc. Your doctor (primary care and/or plastic surgeon) should be able to help you with your insurance companies... more

Breast Reduction

The question starts whether this is a procedure that you would want to pay via your insurance plan. If yes, then you should know the qualification criteria for your plan. Second, the insurance company will pay more if the surgeon selected is in their network. Review the list of surgeons that participate in the network. Thirdly, choose 3 for consultion. The one that best meets your needs through his/her expertise, experience, and understanding of your needs would... more

Breast reduction questions

If you are considering using your health insurance to see if they will cover a breast reduction, you should start by seeing your primary care provider to see if there is a plastic surgeon in your network. The plastic surgeon would then need to see you to determine if they believe the insurance will cover. They would then have to submit paperwork, probably with photos to be reviewed. I hope this helps. Dr Edwards