How do you ask your doctor to write a letter of medical necessity for insurance for a breast reduction?

Question

How do you ask your doctor to write a letter of medical necessity for insurance? My doctor has my symptoms listed in my chart, but I do not know how to ask him to write a letter?

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

You first need to ask the doctor's scheduling person if they take insurance. If so, just ask, they won't be offended. If they do not take insurance, you can try filing after the fact but that frequently doesn't get covered.

Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. I would just ask your doctor to submit to your insurance company on your behalf and he will then know to write the letter. You'll be glad you did. This is the #1 highest satisfaction procedure in plastic surgery. Patients wake up from surgery and often say that their neck, back and shoulder pain is instantly better. It is also usually covered by insurance even if your provider is out of network. I wish you all the best.
Mark G. Albert, M.D., F.A.C.S.New York, NY

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Intellectual105711,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
If you are speaking about your family physician, he/or she will send documentation of symptoms to your Plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will then send his/her evaluation along with your any documentation to your insurance company for approval.   Best wishes!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When you go in for a breast reduction consultation your surgeon will ask for your medical history, your present symptoms leading you to want a breast reduction, and prior treatments.  An examination will be completed including measurements of your breasts.  You and your surgeon will also discuss your goals for the procedure.  After this meeting your surgeon will submit this information to your insurance carrier to get approval for the breast reduction.

How do you ask your doctor to write a letter of medical necessity for insurance for a breast reduction?

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