Getting insurance coverage for certain procedures can be very difficult. Liposuction is definitely one of them.The way insurance authorization works is that every procedure has a catalogue number called a CPT code. Every diagnosis is also listed in the catalog, referred to as the ICD-9.In order for a procedure to be preauthorized, the CPT code has to match authorized diagnosis codes. For example, if someone has breast cancer, then a mastectomy will automatically be authorized. The decisions are rarely subjective. They are usually spelled out in black and white and a legal contract.There are times when certain cases are brought up for what's referred to as manual review. These are cases that can sometimes be considered cosmetic and sometimes be used to treat medical conditions. In general, insurance companies are quite harsh in what they consider medical conditions to be covered by insurance. The problem with liposuction is that there are no diagnoses codes that are associated with the procedure.It is extremely unlikely that you will get authorization for liposuction of any kind.There is no good literature stating that there are health benefits in surgically removing body fat.Based on the pictures, you appear to be an excellent candidate for liposuction.Cosmetic surgery is expensive for most people. If done correctly, it can give incredible benefits that are a lifelong investment.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.
