Looking for a breast reduction and a surgeon that accepts medical in California -- any suggestions?

Thank you for your question. I would recommend calling the member services number located on the back of your insurance card. A representative would be able to pull up your plan and give you the names of the surgeons in your area that participate with your insurance as well as the requirements for approval. Good luck!

By your description, it sounds as though you would definitely benefit from a breast reduction, but as you have found, it can be very difficult to find a surgeon who accepts Medi-Cal.  Your best bet is probably to try the Mercy system (Mercy Medical Group--they have at least 2 plastic surgeons) or possibly UC Davis.  Beyond that, unfortunately there are not a whole lot of plastic surgeons tied into the Medi-Cal system, and even the two suggestions I have given have stringent requirements.  If, on the other hand, you are able to save and pay privately, then you have many different options.  I hope that helps.  Best of luck!

can be challenging but most residency programs did when I was training... so start with University programs.  Then check with Medi-Cal to see if there are any in private practice accepting Medi-Cal (usually those covering the ER) and call them.  If you wanted to do this cosmetically and were in my town, costs would be limited to that of a cosmetic mastopexy and total costs would run around $5500.  Tissue removed would not have to be sent in if you chose not to after discussing all of the risks involved of not doing so.

 I am sorry to hear about the problems you're disproportionately large breasts have cause for you. Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
Medi-cal (and medicare) has been known to cover breast reduction surgery. For multiple reasons (as you mentioned) , most plastic surgeons that I know of to not work with these organizations. I think finding a reputable plastic surgeon who will work with Medicaid will be the challenge you will face.
In regards to the outcome of the breast reduction surgery, the most important decision you make will be careful selection of your plastic surgeon. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. ***Ask to SEE lots of examples of their work AND preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.
I hope this helps. Best wishes.