How long does it take for the approval process?

Question

About how long does it take for the ps to write notes and send it to the insurer after you've gathered enough documents? It's been about a week and a half and I'm ready to just go ahead and get it over with

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. You will find that the answer to your question will differ from one plastic surgeons practice to another and from one health insurance company to another as well. Your plastic surgeon's office will likely be able to provide you with an update. Best wishes.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Every insurance plan has their own unique criteria on whether they will 
cover a breast reduction. Approval times vary significantly. More and more, we are seeing plans where a 
breast reduction is not a covered benefit. If it is a covered benefit, 
some insurance plans set a minimum required amount of tissue to be 
remove in order to met their threshold for coverage. Some set the amount
 in relation to your BMI (height and weight). Others require extensive 
medical records documenting neck pain, back pain, and history of rashes.
 The other alternative is to opt for a breast reduction as a self-pay 
option. Start by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon to 
learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is a process that is different with each insurance company.  Some can approve with a phone call, and some need multiple records from several doctors and some want 6 months of notes from back specialists.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Pre-authorization as it is called usually takes 2 to 4 weeks depending upon how long the insurance company can delay.  Also read the fine print.  Pre-authorization is not a guaranty of payment.  So if it is not a guaranty of payment then what is it?

Bahair Ghazi, MD · Answer

Its nice to expect anywhere from 30-60 days at the most and be pleasantly surprised if it comes back as early as two weeks. Most insurances rely on specifics such as pictures and meausremenst that take time to process. Wishing you all the best. If it is not covered we usually then make it fairly reasonable to have the procedure as a cosmetic case.

How long does it take for the approval process?

Answers (8)

Answer: Pre-authorization as it is called usually takes 2 to 4 weeks

Answer: Pre-authorization as it is called usually takes 2 to 4 weeks

Answer: Breast Reduction Timing

Answer: Breast Reduction Timing

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How long does it take for the approval process?

Answers (8)

Answer: Pre-authorization as it is called usually takes 2 to 4 weeks

Answer: Pre-authorization as it is called usually takes 2 to 4 weeks

Answer: Breast Reduction Timing

Answer: Breast Reduction Timing

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.