Do I need my OBGYN dr or my regular primary doctor to refer me to a doctor about having a panniculectomy done?

Thank you for your question regarding what to do about a panniculectomy and whether you need your OB/GYN or primary doctor to refer you to a doctor about having a panniculectomy done. The referral patterns really depend on your insurance company and the way your insurance is structured. If you are part of an HMO, you may require your primary care doctor to refer you to a plastic surgeon for a panniculectomy. However, if you are part of a PPO or POS insurance plan, you can directly go to your selected plastic surgeon. In the end, it really depends on your insurance company. I would start by contacting your primary care doctor to see what they suggest and go from there. Good Luck!  Thank you.   I hope that I have answered your question regarding whether you need your OB/GYN or primary doctor to refer you to a doctor about having a panniculectomy done.  I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact my office. Since the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or extended tummy tuck surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Hello, 
Thank you for your question. Your insurance plan will dictate whether you should get a referral or can directly go to a cosmetic surgeon for a panniculectomy as some plans cover the procedure if medically necessary (skin rash refractory to medical treatment, bacterial or fungal infection, pannus hanging below mons pubis). I suggest you review your coverage and seek out a board-certified cosmetic surgeon / Plastic Surgeon to get the optimal results. 
Best, 
Dr. Babak Moein

Thank you for your question.  It is always a good idea to have a referral letter reccomending you get this surgery.  I suggest you seek a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certifed 
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Read your medical insurance certificate of coverage.  This really depends upon the restrictions of your medical insurance referral plan. Some insurance providers will cover the cost of a panniculectomy based upon medical criteria such as chronic skin rashes, wounds, infections, odor, excess skin hanging down below the pubic bone, and other medical issues.  

Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Hello!  It can depend on your insurance to determine if a referral is required, based on the state in which you reside. Call your insurance company and ask them what they require in order to have a procedure approved. Some require a referral from the Primary Care. Sometimes the referral notes and supporting documentation is needed to submit a claim to support medical necessity. It all depends on your personal insurance and the state in which you live.  Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon near you to give you specific information regarding your case. Best of luck!

It would all depend on your insurance coverage. If you have a gatekeeper plan, yes. Otherwise, you can see a plastic surgeon independently.