Is Rhinoplasty Covered in Michigan by Medicaid with Nasal Passage Correction Procedure?

I can't say whether Michigan Medicaid will cover anything. However airway work is considered functional and not aesthetic.

A deviated septum is considered functional and is usually paid for by most medical insurance companies. A septoplasty will repair a deviated septum. Documentation of medical necessity will need to be performed by your  physician. Any change related to the outside portion of the nose will need be paid for by the patient themselves and this is considered cosmetic surgery also known as rhinoplasty. A septoplasty and rhinoplasty are 2 completely different operations

The only way to determine medical necessity for a septoplasty is to be examined by either an ENT or Plastic surgeon.  

Dear Andrea,

The breathing portion of the procedure, the septoplasty, may be covered.  The cosmetic portion of the procedure, the rhinoplasty, is not covered.

Best Wishes, 

Pablo PRichard, MD

Hello,

Thank you for the question.  Most insurance and state health plans only cover nose surgery when the airway and breathing issues are present.  Shaping the nose (rhinoplasty) is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance.

All the best,

Dr. Remus Repta