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Regence UMP Washington. 4 medical professionals recommend breast reduction for me. Yet, I don't fit the Schnur Sliding Scale?

I have three cervical herniated discs, C3-7. Years of conservative therapies; chiro, PT, massage, acupunct, office ergonomics, etc. I still have considerable pain daily. My PCP/Internist, Neuromuscular & Spinal Specialist/MD, PT, and DO all suggest and support breast reduction. My problem is large breasts with not allot of mass, along with my weight. Regence has denied my breast reduction. I hit all the the criteria EXCEPT Schnur scale. I need solid arguments for to disregard the Schnur scale.

Doctor Answers 4

September 12th, 2016

Insurance Is Fading on Breast Reduction

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Hello,Even if you hit the Schnur scale, your company might still deny you.  Breast reduction coverage is fading away. Too much abuse and flimsy data make it more of a cosmetic procedure. My recommendation is finding a surgeon that does this surgery really well; chances are he doesn't take insurance anyway.  If you don't have the money, then finance it through a number of good companies. Best of luck!

Learn more: http://www.drminniti.com

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS


Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 95 reviews

September 10th, 2016

Scarless breast reduction

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sounds like this could be a good scenario for the Scarless, or liposuction only procedure.  This can be performed as an outpatient under light sedation and is often dramatically less expensive than a traditional reduction. It sounds like your problem is more functional than aesthetic. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who specializes in this particular variation of the operation And it's probably worth looking into. Good luck.

Sherwood Baxt, MD
Paramus Plastic Surgeon

September 12th, 2016

If you cannot meet the Schnur scale

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your breasts are not that heavy... and subsequently would not be anticipated to help you much with a reduction.  And the Schnur scale is pretty lenient as many companies no longer accept it, instead placing higher weight resections to have them cover the procedure.  If you're convinced your breasts are contributing, pursue this cosmetically and you should ask around and take the best price you can get, presuming the surgeons are all equal in reputation and outcomes.
Curtis Wong, MD
September 10th, 2016

Insurance is leaving breast reduction

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You are not alone as we see so many patients who, in the past, would get covered for breast reduction. Medical insurance is leaving breast reduction as a covered benefit, making it extremely hard to get covered despite all the premiums you have paid. What I see is many patients saving up and paying out of pocket to get this done.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.