Tummy Tuck Questions

For those that have already had this.....your advise and experience would be greatly appreciated!!!!!
I am concerned about the future with regards to excess skin. Do tummy tucks have you down of out of work for a significant amount of time? Does BCBS insureance cover it? How about the pain? Any other side affects? 

I haven't had my TT yet, but some insurances cover if you have enough medical problems with your excess skin such as rashes that won't go away.  You need to document all rashes and problems that you may have with your PCP and keep track of any treatments that you have to do.

If you have to have a hernia repair again some insurances will cover a complete TT and others will only cover a pannectomy (sp) which is just removal of skin. 

Dr Farhan has referred me to Dr ABD Alghanem in Flint for my TT with Dr Farhan's hernia repair.

I can not get pre approval for this because of the type of Medicare I am on and my 2ndry will only pay if Medicare does.  BUT since they will be doing both surgeries, same day, same time and all of that, the most Dr A would charge me for a TT is $3500 since the OR, anathesioligist and all that is going to be covered.   I have his signature on a piece of paper stating this

I am not too worried about insurance not picking up in my case since the skin around my open incision is too thin to reuse.  They can not make the repair without plastics.

I am supposed to have this done on Sept 23, just waiting for final confirmation.  I can let you know how things go after that.

Please be very carful about Having your TT @ Hurley..please go any place other then there! The hospital is not what it used to be..PLEASE...go anywhere but there. Your hospital stay for the weight loss was wonderful I bet....any other floor...you will be treated like crap...if you would like to hear more...PM me...I would rather die then ever go back...and My TT has to be redone because they screwed around with the hernia so long.....If you have a chance before all plans are made Let/s talk if you want......

Maria
225

Thank you,  I have pm'd you.

BCBS of Michigan will cover the tummy tuck as long as you have lost over 100 lbs.  Also if you are having any issues along with it - lower back pain, rashes - or how low it hangs.  They will only cover the abdominplasty, not the thighs or arms.  In some instances the breasts also - depends on how much hanging skin you have there. 

Call your customer service number on the back of your card and ask them for the critiera.  They can tell you over the phone or mail it to you.

Your doctor can also print if off BCBS website for physicians.

I am going through this myself now.  My insurance is BCBS MI PPO.  They will cover the TT if you have persistant rashes that cannot be cured by traditional means, have skin that hangs abnormally low, and 100+lb weight loss for over 18 months.  They will not cover the breast life under any cir****tances.

i have the same insurance... (messa)..ppo bcbs....
soo... are u saying that its not enough JUST to have lost 100lbs? u have to have rash, etc? :(

anyone know how much they cost if you have to get it done w/out insurance? and any recom> docs. in michigan (im in grand rapids)
katrina

I'm not sure if each plan is different......that was the criteria that my plan has in place.  I thought they would cover the breast lift, but no go

I have to disagree with what you are saying about BCBS-MI. I have BCBS insurance and they are covering my TT and breast lift/reduction both at 100%.  I had lapband surgery 18mo ago and have lost 60lbs (I weigh 168). I still want to lose another 20lbs. 

That's great that your policy is covering it!  Where are you having your plastics done?  Do you mind sharing what kind of BCBS you have?  Is yours a PPO?

Coverage depends on what the exact language is in your policy.  Mine specifically says that only a TT is covered, but my husband's policy is pretty ambiguous about it.  I'm trying to get the breast lift reviewed under his plan because they don't specifically exclude it.  We both have BCBSM PPOs.