Our understanding is generally no insurance is going to cover surgery to repair this. We are considering funding an HSA account this year to help cover the costs if this is possible. The doctor's office has a policy of "no letters of medical necessity." I'm looking for help to understand if this is a doctor specific policy (no letter of necessity), or it is simply never appropriate to use HSA/FSA funds for this type of surgery. Thanks in advance for any help!
December 3, 2019
Answer: Abdominoplasty and Muscle Plication An abdominoplasty procedure consist of removing the excess skin as well as tightening the muscles to repair diastasis recti. This is a cosmetic procedure and there are not any insurance companies that would cover this. The procedure that is covered under insurance is a panniculectomy. A panniculectomy is removal of the lower abdominal skin only, no muscle tightening, no umbilical movement. It is not a pretty procedure and usually reserved for patients who have a very large abdominal "apron" which they have had problems with rashes and infections.As far as payment, most HSA accounts are used for health related issues. It is a fine line to use that for an abdominoplasty procedure as the procedure has to be medically necessary. This is something that you should discuss with your company.Hope that helps.
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December 3, 2019
Answer: Abdominoplasty and Muscle Plication An abdominoplasty procedure consist of removing the excess skin as well as tightening the muscles to repair diastasis recti. This is a cosmetic procedure and there are not any insurance companies that would cover this. The procedure that is covered under insurance is a panniculectomy. A panniculectomy is removal of the lower abdominal skin only, no muscle tightening, no umbilical movement. It is not a pretty procedure and usually reserved for patients who have a very large abdominal "apron" which they have had problems with rashes and infections.As far as payment, most HSA accounts are used for health related issues. It is a fine line to use that for an abdominoplasty procedure as the procedure has to be medically necessary. This is something that you should discuss with your company.Hope that helps.
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December 3, 2019
Answer: Financial coverage for a Tummy Tuck Hello and thank you for your question. Although you would be best served with an in-person consultation, in my practice, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure and I have not come across any health insurance that will cover the surgery. On occasion, panniculectomies may be covered, but those must meet strict criteria. Please refer to your HSA details to be sure. In terms of the tummy tuck, be sure to seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery and be sure he/she addresses all your concerns about an abdominoplasty and discusses the surgery details including the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course. In terms of the abdominoplasty details -- the necessary skin and fat is removed, the abdominal muscles are plicated (tightened), a small umbilical incision is made that is not externally visible (to give you an "innie" belly button), and a short, low waistline incision is designed to be easily hidden by your underwear or bikini. Please view plenty of before-and-after pictures in real patients (and not just computer-generated images) who have a similar abdominal appearance to yours, and preferably at different time frames (3 weeks out, 3 months out, etc) to more accurately predict your own surgical outcome. And lastly, I think the most important component of the consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon. If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.
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December 3, 2019
Answer: Financial coverage for a Tummy Tuck Hello and thank you for your question. Although you would be best served with an in-person consultation, in my practice, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure and I have not come across any health insurance that will cover the surgery. On occasion, panniculectomies may be covered, but those must meet strict criteria. Please refer to your HSA details to be sure. In terms of the tummy tuck, be sure to seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery and be sure he/she addresses all your concerns about an abdominoplasty and discusses the surgery details including the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course. In terms of the abdominoplasty details -- the necessary skin and fat is removed, the abdominal muscles are plicated (tightened), a small umbilical incision is made that is not externally visible (to give you an "innie" belly button), and a short, low waistline incision is designed to be easily hidden by your underwear or bikini. Please view plenty of before-and-after pictures in real patients (and not just computer-generated images) who have a similar abdominal appearance to yours, and preferably at different time frames (3 weeks out, 3 months out, etc) to more accurately predict your own surgical outcome. And lastly, I think the most important component of the consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon. If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.
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