So Cal Kaiser and Plastics

Has anyone had any plastic surgery that has been covered by Kaiser after weight loss???? can you please share with me how the process worked and what was covered and not covered? What any additional costs were??? Thank you so much

I have Kaiser and many members of my support groups have it too. We have a local plastic surgeon who gives presentations once a year. My support group leader and other Kaiser members have commented on this topic. A panni (where they cut off excess fatty tissue on abdominal area) is normally covered by Kaiser. But it takes a well documented data by your doctor about skin infections, issues where loose skin impedes exercise, etc. to get this panni surgery.  This surgery is not nearly as pretty as plastics either, as it does not involve any tightening of the abdominal muscles.  Many patients end up without a belly button also.  These are case by case issues whether Kaiser does anything.  This particular surgeon spoke about it, as many Kaiser patients are not happy with their panni, and end up with additional surgery. So this plastic surgeon has worked with Kaiser so that they pay part of the plastic surgery fee--the cost that they would incur with the panni surgery. So a tummy tuck would likely have $3000 or a little more taken off the plastics fee, and the balance you'd pay.  Basically, this deal is in the interest of patient, so they don't undergo double surgeries to address the same issue.  To be sure, I'd contact your patients services department. Kaiser policies vary somewhat on exact coverage--it depends on the extent of the policy your employer pays, or what plan you chose to self pay on.  I know my family co-pays are much different than others, from getting my scripts filled. I either pay nothing or $5 copay for my scripts, while others pay $15-35 co-pays.  DAVE

Dave,

Thanks so much for the response!! I am trying to look ahead and see what my options are and see what I might have to start saving up now. I ONLY want to have any work done if the skin is too bothersome and gets rashes or infections. I will be happy just to not be carrying around this extra 160 pounds. I Thank you for the info and I will definitely be calling and checking into things...


Lori