Does anyone know if Healthfirst insurance covers breast reduction?

Question

Jennifer Geoghegan, MD · Answer

It does not appear to be an exclusion from the health first insurance plan. They do have an exclusion for cosmetic surgery so you will have to meet medical criteria in order to qualify for your reduction. A board certified plastic surgeon can assist you in determining if you meet these criteria.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Here are some basics about Insurance Coverage Criteria for approval for #BreastReduction and this should also apply to Health First Insurance. Breast Reduction varies from insurance company to insurance company. You will have to check directly with Healthfirst. In general functional problems like back pain help: The more Physician recommendations for breast reduction the better - that would include your gynecologist, primary care doctor, plastic surgeon, chiropractor, etc. They want to see that you have already tried non surgical means such as weight loss, physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, etc but still have problems.. Contact your individual company and request their specific Criteria and request preauthorization.Insurance company favors approval for patient with functional problems like the ones you mentioned - back, neck and knee problems, bad posture, inability to run , etc.Your plastic surgeon will then contact your insurance company for preauthorization.Here is some general information however to help you :Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Other problems which are less likely to be covered by insurance include skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems, and interference with normal daily activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.This procedure is commonly covered by insurance through insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Healthfirst does cover breast reduction and has relatively basic criteria.  See a board certified plastic surgeon who is on the panel.

Does anyone know if Healthfirst insurance covers breast reduction?

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Does anyone know if Healthfirst insurance covers breast reduction?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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