Medicare coverage for panni removal?

Hi everyone, just wanted to find out if Medicare will cover panni removals? If so, what kind of criteria needs to be met? Any suggestions for things I can do in the mean time to help with getting approval. I do have pictures from a time when I got an infection under my stomach so hopefully that will help!

Also, when/ where is the monthly meeting in Moncton?

Thanks for any help I can get!!!

Jenn

From what I understand, they may cover the removal but it's typically only the lower portion of the stomach (ie, from the belly button down, thus leaving the middle sag untouched). I would document / date any pictures taken when you have rashes or irritations and get in to see your family doctor at these times if you can so they have a paper trail as well. That will help your doctor push for the surgery.  I would also document these problems in other areas of loose skin as well if you have them (arms, legs, breasts) as the doctor can make a request for plastics on those areas as well - all they can do is say no.

I think Dr. B. will send a referral for plastics if you've gotten under 200 or close to your goal weight and then it's about 6 - 12 months before you see the surgeon. Your family doctor can provide document to the surgeon as well. They typically want to see you at a stable or decreasing weight for a number of months (ie, that 6 - 12 month wait). That's my understanding anyway.

Hi there!

I had an abdominoplasty in September after losing 160 pounds with lap band.  The surgeon will want to be sure that you're at a stable weight first, and have remained at a stable weight for some time.

Medicare covered the panni portion of it (the lower part of the stomach "hang") and I had to pay for the difference.  So what that meant was that if a tummy tuck (full) is typically $8,000 you will only be responsible for $4,000.  Still a lot of money, but definitely a help.  There are rare cases where Medicare will cover the entire thing, but I definitely wouldn't count on it!