My insurance considers septoplasty a cosmetic procedure and will not cover it. What is the out-of-pocket cost in NY? (Photo)

Question

I have every symptom of a deviated septum. I sleep on one side, get nosebleeds, minor sinus infections, and I even have a small callus in my nose where the cartilage protrudes. However, most of the visible deviation is just in the size of my nostrils. I am fed up with daily discomfort, but I have student insurance with United healthcare. I can pay no more than $9,000 for the procedure out-of-pocket. How can I cut costs and still get good results from a good doctor?

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The cost of the septoplasty is driven by 3 fees which included the amount of time it takes to perform the procedure in the operating room, time under anesthesia, and the surgeon's fee for performing the septoplasty procedure.  The price of the procedure is going to vary significantly with different offices,  a price range of might be from 2-4000 dollars

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

Insurances have gotten terrible, they do not want to pay for even medically necessesary procedures. There is no one price in NY for that surgery,  you need to talk to the doctor. Even if insurance pays for the septal surgery it usually only pays about $600 is is much less than the normal charge.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,If your just seeking a functional septoplasty, I'm sure you will find  a surgeon to do it for $9000. That may even include the cosmetic fee. However, some of your functional issues may not only be as of result of a deviated septum. Make sure you have a qualified surgeon examine your nose.Best,Dr.S.

My insurance considers septoplasty a cosmetic procedure and will not cover it. What is the out-of-pocket cost in NY? (Photo)

Answers (3)