Is breast reduction surgery FMLA eligible?

Question

Is breast reduction surgery covered under FMLA since it is often considered medically necessary for those whom have extremely large, heavy breasts that cause back and shoulder aches?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The Family
Medical Leave Act was passed in 1993 and allows patients to take up to twelve
weeks off work for family medical issues. 
Breast hypertrophy associated with symptoms might be ruled medically
necessary by your insurance company. 
Under these circumstances you would be eligible for FMLA.  Unfortunately, if the procedure isn’t covered
by insurance you wouldn’t be eligible for FMLA because the procedure would be
considered cosmetic.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

if it is deemed medically necessary and requires three consecutive days of incapacitation ( the definition of serious condition) it is eligible for FMLA protection. Sufficient notice is required prior your procedure.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is likely that the procedure would be considered “eligible” but for reliable advice best to check with the appropriate agency. Best wishes; breast reduction surgery tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations  we perform.

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides an entitlement of up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave during any 12-month period to eligible, covered employees for the following reasons: 1) birth and care of the eligible employee's child, or placement for adoption or foster care of a child with the employee; 2) care of an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent) who has a serious health condition; or 3) care of the employee's own serious health condition. It also requires that employee's group health benefits be maintained during the leave. The FMLA is administered by the Employment Standards Administration's Wage and Hour Division within the U.S. Department of Labor.I doubt that a breast reduction would qualify as a serious health condition. Best wishes

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

You reduction would make your eligible for time off per FMLA.  We fill these forms out all the time for patients.

Is breast reduction surgery FMLA eligible?

Answers (5)