Would insurance companies cover CoolSculpting if it helped sleep apnea?

Question

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Some men and women who have sleep apnea find it improves after having fatty bulges in their neck removed with CoolSculpting’s CoolMini, Kybella, or liposuction. However, insurance does not cover these procedures because there have been no definitive studies using fat-elimination as a sleep apnea treatment. It is certainly not guaranteed to help sleep apnea, although it always gives a nice cosmetic result for fat under the neck. Please find a board-certified dermatologist to determine if you’re a candidate for neck contouring with CoolMini; you should be able to come up with a payment plan that works for you so you get the improvements you want.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Hi there
CoolSculpt is considered a cosmetic procedure, therefore it would not be covered by insurance. Most service providers offer financing options such as Care Credit or other monthly payment plan options. Good luck!

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Unfortunately CoolSculpting is considered cosmetic and will not be covered by insurance. Some providers can offer you affordable payment plan options. Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is unlikely to be covered by insurance. Keep in mind, for best results, a combination approach with other non-invasive treatments is needed and some people need more than one treatment with Coolsculpting. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. However, a Vaser with ThermiRF procedure is the best combination for a toned result, but requires more downtime. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Great question but unfortunately coolsculpting would not be covered by any insurance at this time.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I do not believe that medical insurance would cover CoolSculpting, even it somehow improved sleep apnea, because there is no medical data of which I'm aware that shows an improvement to sleep apnea.

Lisa Gardner, DO · Answer

We have successfully treated over 1000 patients with CoolSculpting over the last 6 years. We have had numerous patients experience better sleep and less apnea by reducing the chin area. Unfortunately, in our experience we have not had a single patient file successfully with insurance to cover it. Insurance companies view it as completely elective and cosmetic.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Insurance does not cover coolsculpting (cool mini).  Patients do find improvement in their breathing at night when the fat in the chin and neck area are reduced.  Get a consultation for coolsculpting with a surgical practice that also offers liposuction or kybella.  That way they will offer you the best option for you, not just the only technology available in the office.  Cool mini also helps shrink the skin.

Shamim Shakibai, MD · Answer

It is unlikely your medical insurance will cover Coolsculpting. However, I would suggest seeking a certified CoolSculpting center near you and getting an in-depth consultation, so you can see what your options are. Most patients opt to get re-treatments in the same area for maximum results of up to 40-50% fat cell reduction. Best of luck!