What steps do I have to take to get my insurance to cover a liposuction procedure?

Question

I have a medical condition that puts me in a position where I really want a liposuction procedure done.do you have any suggestions on how to get my insurense go cover it.

Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. As it turns out, lipo is considered a cosmetic procedure and would almost never be covered by health insurance. It would be a very rare circumstance. You can call your health insurance company for guidelines, or reach out to the surgeons office you plan to go to for guidance. You will probably need quite extensive documentation to support medical need for lipo to submit to your insurance.

Kamran Azad, MD · Answer

Unfortunately liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure, which is not covered by insurance. The definition of cosmetic surgery varies, though from an insurance perspective, cosmetic surgery refers to any surgery with the purpose to modify or improve the appearance of a physical feature with no specific medical reason to do so. A medical need could include a condition that causes significant physical dysfunction or psychological distress to a patient, but many health insurance companies have defined criteria to determine if the surgery meets the requirements for coverage. I would call your insurance company for clarity, good luck!

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Except in the rarest circumstances, liposuction is not covered by medical insurance. The only example I can think of is as part of a reconstructive procedure. However, a huge amount of documentation and pre-authorization would be required. 
However, the majority of Plastic Surgeons do accept financing. In most cases you can finance all or part of your surgical costs.   Be sure to have your procedure performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (Board certificate= 'American Board of Plastic Surgery').  Hope this helps!  Good luck!
Ricardo L Rodriguez MD

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I can't speak to your insurance coverage. It is usually not covered, because it is considered cosmetic. For best results with liposuction, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Insurance will not cover elective cosmetic procedures. In order to obtain coverage, one must prove medical necessity. Patients must document the actual medical problems which liposuction will address.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by commercial insurance.Care credit is a good option for financing this procedure for patients who qualify.Best of luck,Dr. Kavali

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Liposuction is perfomed most often as a cosmetic procedure. It is not covered by insurance.  Good luck...

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.   Unles it is being done as part of a reconstructive procedure, insurance doesn’t cover liposuction.

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, but in 99.9% of cases, insurance will not cover liposuction - it is considered an elective procedure. In order to get the procedure covered, which would be a rarity, you have to prove to the insurance companies that this is a medical or reconstructive procedure (perhaps related to a prior procedure, or something that is causing you other health issues), but few people are in these circumstances. Best of luck!

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

Insurance will not, and should not pay for liposuction. Insurance is for medically necessary procedures.
Good luck,

What steps do I have to take to get my insurance to cover a liposuction procedure?

Answers (12)

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