Process for getting deviated septum diagnosis so septoplasty will be covered by insurance?

Question

I got hit in the nose with a softball when I was in high school and have been having breathing/congestion problems ever since. While I would like to get a rhinoplasty to fix the crookedness of my nose, I'm wondering if I also have a deviated septum. I know insurance will cover part of the procedure if there are medical reasons for it. How would I go about finding out if I have a deviated septum/getting insurance to cover it?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Click on the "Web reference" link, just below my response, or go here:
FacialSurgery.com/RealSelf/RealSelf_DawnShaw2.html
I made a computer morph of your nose, and an animation of the morph, to show the changes that are possible for your nose in truly expert hands.
I lowered the bump on the bridge, and elevated the tip, which seems to sit too low. Then, I moved your entire nose back closer to your face. I'll be the tip could be narrowed a touch, too.
You should understand that the changes I demonstrated in the morph require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Web reference" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon, and how to tell whether your primary surgeon should be performing your revision. Every nose operation make the *next* one much much harder, so you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills.
I'd love to hear what you think of the morph. Did it seem to address your main concerns?
Your nose is also a good example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. When you see his goals, you'll know whether he has an eye for a beautiful nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes a beautiful nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. But remember, you're not hiring him for his skills with the computer. The doctor must then show you his before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.
In your case in particular, you need to find a surgeon who understands all of the issues I mentioned, and how they fit together, and who can actually accomplish them in surgery. You don't want to be looking for a revision later.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

First of all, a septoplasty and a rhinoplasty are two completely separate operations, but both can be performed the same time under one anesthesia and one recovery period. Expect to pay for the cosmetic component yourself which can accomplish straightening the crooked nose. A thorough internal examination of the nose by an ENT/facial plastic surgeon can accomplish making the diagnosis of a deviated septum, if it is present. There are many issues inside the nose that can cause breathing problems such as deviated nasal septum, turbinate hypertrophy, allergies, valve collapse, vestibular stenosis, and chronic sinusitis. Each one of these issues are treated differently with medications or surgery. A CAT scan of the sinuses may be required to document some of these issues. Medical necessity must be documented time of the examination, and then pre-authorization with your medical insurance will be required. Expect to pay for the co-pays and deductibles component of your insurance plan related to any functional surgery. This will be in addition to the cosmetic rhinoplasty. For more information about the differences between a septoplasty and rhinoplasty along with many  before-and-after examples of crooked nose repair, please see the link and the video below

Process for getting deviated septum diagnosis so septoplasty will be covered by insurance?

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Process for getting deviated septum diagnosis so septoplasty will be covered by insurance?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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