In my past question, I was told I could go to a regular family doctor or a gynecologist to get documention for breast reduction insurance. How do I go about doing this? Do I need to request a letter or what?
How to Get Documentation for Breast Reduction Insurance?
-
Karim
- Wood Cross Utah
- 7 years ago
Doctor Answers 16
This procedure is commonly covered by insurance though insurance
criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Although we do not accept
insurance, our staff will assist you in obtaining pre-authorization so that you
can attempt to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses
Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company requirements.
This info needs to be in writing with photos sent for preauthorization
Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company requirements.
This info needs to be in writing with photos sent for preauthorization
Web reference: http://www.horowitzmd.com/plastic-surgery-procedures-newport-beach/breast-reduction/
The more Physician recommendations for breast reduction the better - that would include your gynecologist, primary care doctor, plastic surgeon, chiropractor, etc.
Your plastic surgeon will then contact your insurance company for preauthorization.
Insurance Criteria for approval for Breast Reduction varies from insurance company to insurance company. Contact your individual company and request their specific Criteria. Here is some general information however to help you :Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Other problems which are less likely to be covered by insurance include skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems, and interference with normal daily activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.
This procedure is commonly covered by insurance though insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive.
Web reference: http://pacificcenterplasticsurgery.com/procedures/breast/reduction/
Yes, the more letters you have from physicians, physical therapists, and chiropractors etc. the better. It will behoove you to ask insurance company directly what their specific criteria are.
Best wishes.
Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/procedure_breastreduction.htm
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Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction
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Answer by George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
Contact the doctor
80% of breast reduction questions on RealSelf are about insurance coverage. Here are some helpful points.
1) Insurance companies try very hard not to pay for breast reduction, even though they should. Even small breast reductions relieve many symptoms such as back pain and shoulder pain, and even some types of headaches.
2) Very big reductions (like from an F cup to a C cup) will usually be covered.
3) Many policies will pay for breast reduction if 500 grams (a little more than a pound) or more are removed from each breast.
4) Some policies take your height and weight into account. So that if you are tiny, smaller reductions will be covered. Find out the details of your policy.
5) DON'T get too much of a reduction just to satisfy the insurance company. You will be unhappy with tiny breasts.
6) Your surgeon needs to request pre-certification IN WRITING, and attach as much evidence as possible.
7) Evidence includes letters from your internist, orthopedic surgeon, and/or chiropractor stating that breast reduction will relieve your symptoms.
8) Some companies require that you try "alternative treatments" such as weight loss and physical therapy first.
9) Don't give up. If the first request is denied, demand an appeal.
10) If there is no insurance, and you cannot afford to pay a private surgeon, go to the plastic surgery clinic of a teaching hospital. There, residents do the surgery under supervision, and the cost is minimal. In New York City, we train residents and fellows at Lenox Hill Hospital, and they do good work.
If you wish to have your breast reduction covered by your insurance company, start by calling them and asking them what information they need. Every company has different requirements. You will at least need a letter from your plastic surgeon requesting authorization for surgery, and a set of photographs (which your surgeon can take) for their review. Some insurance companies also want a letter from a chiropractor or orthopaedic surgeon documenting back, neck, or shoulder pain. Some also ask for a letter from a dermatologist if you have a rash beneath the breasts. But, before you spend a lot of time gathering letters, just call your company to see what their policy is. Good luck, /nsn.
Karim,
Insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery varies widely between no coverage at all and full coverage depending on the insurance carrier, the plan within the insurance carrier, the state you live in. Any documentation that you can provide to support your claim will improve your chances of getting coverage. That would include letters from family doctors, gynecologists and sometimes carriers even demand evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon. Good luck!
Hi,
Insurance companies require specific documentation from plastic surgeons prior to approving reduction mammaplasty. This usually includes photographs demonstrating large breasts and shoulder grooving from bra straps, as well as a letter describing patient's symptoms, other treatment modalities attempted, and the estimated amount of tissue that will be removed.
Supporting documentation from other physicians and health care professionals can be very helpful in facilitating the approval process. Letters from physical therapists and chiropractors documenting failed therapy for back pain and neck pain, as well as from primary care doctors demonstrating neck pain, shoulder pain and heat rashes despite appropriate use of a support bra, all help immensely.
Hope this helps. Best of luck.
Web reference: http://www.drjdallasplasticsurgeon.com/breast_reduction.php#breast_reduction
If you have symptomatic macromastia because of large breasts and this can be documented by your internist, orthopedist, or chiropractor, you may be able to get coverage.
Any time you go to see a doctor, they bill your insurance company. When they submit a bill they use a code to describe the reason for your visit. This gets logged into a database called the Medical Information Bureau (MIB). Soi if you make a breast reduction the main reason for your visit. It will automatically be filed under your insurance. You can also request that your physician(s) write a letter of support.
Web reference: http://www.bodysculptor.com/reduction.html
Most insurances require several things to cover breast reductions
1. Large breasts
2. Symptoms preferably documented by other healthcare providers, especially orthopedic doctors, chiropracters, physical therapists
3. Trials at non surgical treatment, proper bra support, physical therapy, etc
4. Removal of a certain amt of breast tissue (often based on the body mass index)
If you are rejected and you feel you have all these bases covered follow the appeal process
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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