Which brow lift procedure for peripheral vision is covered by Medicare?

Question

My ophthalmologist referred me to a plastic surgeon to do a brow lift for droopiness that affects my peripheral vision, and said Medicare would cover the cost. The plastic surgeon told me that the only procedure covered by Medicare would leave me with huge, ugly scars starting at my inside brow point, up and over my brow between my hairline and brow, and that the scars would never go away. Is this correct information?

Fred G. Fedok, MD, FACS · Answer

Medicare and other insurances may or may not cover the surgery for a variety of brow lifts.  Whether they do depends on your physical findings, your specific plan, whether your doctor is a participant with the particular plan, whether the plan allows payment to out of network physicians and your findings on a visual field test.  At times, the blockage of your peripheral vision is due to 2 problems - brow sagging and sagging of the upper eyelid skin.In the later cases, it is  customary for one procedure to be covered by the insurance and the other to be considered a patient responsibility elective procedure.Hope this helps.Be well and best regards,Fred G. Fedok, MD FACS

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Always work with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, the plastic surgeon is correct -- Medicare has no interest in paying for cosmetic procedures and they have made their policies in 2018 very clear.  However, if your drooping brows and/or eyelids are severely impairing your vision there may be some options for you. You could try to visit another plastic surgeon that works more with medical patients and functional problems -- sometimes a university based doctor might be able to help more than a private practice physician that probably doesn't perform much Medicare surgery. Best of luck.Damon B. Chandler, MDHarvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Surgeon

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In order to document medical necessity, photographs and a thorough examination  are going to be required.  Very severe brow ptosis  causing significant loss  have to present before any insurance will pay for it .There are many different brow lift approaches that can accomplish raising the eyebrows, which should be discussed at the time of the examination and consultation.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Brow lift is typically covered by Medicare if proper documentation is done to demonstrate visual obstruction before the procedure. I don't think it matters what type of brow lift is done. The type that you described would only be done if there was no other place to conceal a scar such as in a bald man.

Which brow lift procedure for peripheral vision is covered by Medicare?

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Answer: Brow lift procedure for peripheral vision loss

Answer: Brow lift procedure for peripheral vision loss

Answer: Brow lift options

Answer: Brow lift options

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Which brow lift procedure for peripheral vision is covered by Medicare?

Answers (5)

Answer: Brow lift procedure for peripheral vision loss

Answer: Brow lift procedure for peripheral vision loss

Answer: Brow lift options

Answer: Brow lift options

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Everything you need to know about Brow Lift

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