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How to get insurance to pay for gynecomastia removal?

I abused dangerous steroids. Gyno formed or was already there and grew intensely fast.I get flares of serious pain and swelling and growth even though I haven't touched a single steroid over 2 years. I managed to get a doctor to prescribe me in a hurry some anastrozadol because during the flare ups the pain gets so bad I can't wear a shirt.. I'm worried about the future health problems I might have if I continue to take these pills since the used to treat breast cancer in women. I have insurance

Doctor Answers 5

About Gynecomastia Surgery and Insurance Coverage

October 26th, 2016
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According to official statistics, 36% of adult young men and 57% of older #adult men in the United States have this medical condition in one of the four grades. About 200,000 to 3 million cases of #gynecomastia are being reported every single year. So if you have #breast #enlargement and you feel you're an exception, please understand that 1 in 3 young adult #men and 1 in 2 older adult men are just like you and have breast enlargement. 

There are three types of surgical treatment options available that treat gynecomastia. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will recommend the type best suited for you. The most important decision to be made before performing any surgical procedure is determining whether you are an ideal candidate. Weight, and more specifically body mass index (BMI), need to be considered when deciding. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is highly suggested in order to determine if you are a surgery candidate and what treatments are best for you.

Typically, gynecomastia surgery is not always covered by many insurance or healthcare programs. If it is, it can take some time to acquire approval as criteria can be restrictive. If approved, it's possible to be reimbursed by the insurance company after the surgery. Nevertheless, most plastic surgery offices offer convenient finance plans that allow patients to pay a low monthly payment. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons the average #cost of #gynecomastia surgery can vary widely. #Surgery quotes should include the procedure itself, operating room facilities, anesthesia fees, surgeon’s fees, medical tests, post-surgery garments, prescription medication and other related costs.  Costs will also vary with geographic location. Estimated costs can be found here on RealSelf.com, PlasticSurgery.org or Surgery.org.

It is imperative you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with male breast #reduction. Plastic surgeons who have specialized in breast surgery and cosmetic surgery are suitable to perform your procedure. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Web reference: http://www.pacificcenterplasticsurgery.com/for-men-procedures-newport-beach/gynecomastia/

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS


Orange County Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 110 reviews

Generally not covered

May 4th, 2016
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You'll need to contact your insurance provider to find out, but unfortunately, generally speaking it wouldn't be covered.

Web reference: https://harmonycosmetic.com/cosmetic-procedures/surgery/gynecomastia/

Ronald Levine, MD

Ronald Levine, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 24 reviews

Insurance coverage is variable

August 15th, 2015
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    All insurance plans have different benefit levels as to what procedures they cover or do not cover. You will need to review the plan you purchased to see if this is included. Call the plan benefits office and ask if this procedure would be covered under your policy.  Most insurance plans do not include this kind of coverage. 
Best wishes,
Dr. Peterson
Marcus L. Peterson, MD

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 38 reviews

How to get insurance to pay for gynecomastia removal?

August 14th, 2015
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In my experience, most health insurance companies do not  help with correction of gynecomastia.  Best to check directly with your insurance company to see whether breast reduction surgery is a “covered” benefit with your specific policy.   You may find the attached link, helpful to you as you learn more about treatment options. Best wishes.

Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_gynecomastia.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 1,499 reviews

Gynecomastia Honolulu HI

August 14th, 2015
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Unfortunately insurance does not pay for gynecomastia surgery.
 How should I choose a surgeon?
Choose carefully. The decision is yours. Advice to assist in making your selection.Only a board certified plastic surgeon
1. Experience matters. Choosing a surgeon increases the likelihood that they have seen a case similar to yours in the past. Selecting a surgeon whose practice is focused on gynecomastia exclusively is also an indicator of experience.
2. Results matter. The more before-and-after pictures, the better. Pay attention whether the surgeon is confident enough to show multiple angles of the same patient.
3.Only gynecomastia Reviews matter.
4. Expertise matters. Is your surgeon recognized by the profession as an authority in the field? Have they authored books or medical journal articles regarding your surgery?
Be realistic about your expectations. Also, revision surgery tends to be significantly more difficult than initial surgery.

Web reference: http://www.gynecomastia-md.com

Mordcai Blau, MD

Mordcai Blau, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 76 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.