I have abdominal pain from diastasis Rectus, will my insurance cover this surgery?

Question

I am a 58 yo male diagnosed with diastasis Rectus. It makes a large bulge when lifting head and shoulders when lying. I went to internist because I was having pain during night that would wake me after sleeping on my back, the pain occurs when I turn to my back or side after being on abdomen. The pain lasts about 5 minutes. My doctor says it is from the RD, but most sites say it does not produce this type pain. If it is from RD, would my insurance pay to fix since it causes me significant pain?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear grebherc,
Diastasis rectui repair is an elective procedure and it is not covered by insurance. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery+-`

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The diastasis can be repaired with or without tummy tuck after other sources of pain are ruled out including hernia.  Insurance will not cover diastasis repair.

Robert Oliver Jr., MD · Answer

it seems unlikely that a degree of diastasis is causing your symptoms. Fixing that on male patients whom tend to have very tight abdominal walls is generally discouraged as the sewing of it often would pull through. It’s a completely different animal then the diastasis from pregnancy or weight loss where there’s a lot of laxity we correct.As to your question re insurance, most policies specifically exclude diastasis repair from coverage and consider it cosmetic in nature.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

There are two seperate entities that effect abdomen. Diastasis rectii is one such entity, it is not a disease, it is a variant. It does not cause pain. Do not expect insurance to pay for it.However, if you have a ventral hernia which is different entity from diastasis and can cause pain your insurance might pay to fix it. You need proper diagnosis.

I have abdominal pain from diastasis Rectus, will my insurance cover this surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Diastasis Rectii does not cause pain

Answer: Diastasis Rectii does not cause pain

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Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

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I have abdominal pain from diastasis Rectus, will my insurance cover this surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Diastasis Rectii does not cause pain

Answer: Diastasis Rectii does not cause pain

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

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