If my insurance provider is Kaiser, will they cover most of the cost of my septorhinoplasty?

Dear AmandaI think a consultation with your ENT doctor at kaiser might be your best source of getting correct and first hand information about financing. In my opinion, it would be worth your time to see nonkaiser rhinoplasty surgeons in consultation as well. An informed decision can save you from a revision rhinoplasty and reward you with an excellent and pleasing result. ( I am not implying kaiser surgeons are not as good) I just think if you narrow your consults by your insurance you may not be exposed to all possibilities. I often combine functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty. I suspect a little research will help you find a surgeon that can do both well. 

Hi Amanda.  Your question is reasonable; I suspect only Kaiser will be able to give you a definitive answer.  You may wish to consult with your Kaiser provider as well as your Kaiser insurance carrier.  

A septoplasty is performed  when there is a deviated septum present in the back of the nose blocking air flow. A septoplasty is performed  once medical necessity has been documented at the time of examination and consultation. A septoplasty is billed to the patient's medical insurance, while co-pays  and deductibles will still apply for the operating room, anesthesia, and the surgeon's fee for performing the septoplasty procedure. A rhinoplasty is performed for cosmetic purposes to change the shape of the nose and is not paid for by the patient's medical insurance. Patients must pay for the cosmetic component themselves.Both procedures can be performed at the same time.

Thank you for your question but that is one to put to your Kaiser doctor to see what will and what would not be coveredDr Corbin

No, Kaiser is an HMO and would probably offer you a Septoplasty by one of their surgeons.  Cosmetic Rhinoplasty wouldn't be covered or availble through Kaiser most likely.  You want the most experienced Rhinoplasty Surgeon that you can get.  Hope this helps.

Dear Amanda Santa, You would have to inquire with your Kaiser insurance policy to see if they would cover the cost of a portion of your procedure. A septorhinoplasty is a combined procedure the "septo' portion addressing the functional aspects while the "rhinoplasty" portion will address the aesthetic aspects. You will also want to make sure that your Kaiser surgeon is an expert in the field of septorhinoplasty and they are able to address both of these concerns with admirable results. You do not want to save funds going in on an original procedure then spending more on revision. Consultations are typically complimentary and you may want to seek some experts in the field for secondary opinions which will then allow you to make a fully informed decision. Digital imaging during consultation will allow you to see the proposed changes. How close in proximity your chosen surgeon can attain these results will be shown in there before and after imaging photos. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.