Plastic Surgery question

Hi all, I had my RNY in April so my question is a bit premature, but I am all about preparation especially since I had issues presurgery. My question is when do you start documenting for plastic surgery. I know I still have a way to go weight and time wise before I can consider it. Initially, I wasn't even interested, but now that I already see excess skin, I think it might be something to consider. I have very fair skin and am prone to rashes anyway, so when I went to my PCP this past week for something unrelated, I asked him to document a rash that I have in the crease of my abdomen near my leg. He said it's a fungal infection and gave me a cream and told me that he has no idea what insurance companies are going to ask for or require, but that any time I have any rashes, come in and he will document them. He also thinks right now it's still from fat and not excess skin. I was told by my surgeon that the panniculectomy is pretty much the only plastic surgery that can be deemed medically necessary as opposed to cosmetic and I just wanted to get some feedback on this. Thanks and have a great weekend, Sue

Sue, I'd say it isn't too early to start documenting. It is good to keep going to your pcp when you get rashes and have him prescribe something for you. You should also take pictures of your rashes. I believe you can't over document these issues for insurance companies. Also, make sure if you have any back pain that you get the documented as well. I had a lower body lift on 8/30 and it was covererd by my insurance company. I provided pictures and documentation from my pcp and chiropractor. I hope this helps. Mary

hello start right away i want it done too and i am 2 years out.

Sue: S Documentation of medical necessity is helpful startingoreop even! Be well, don't treat the pain, hygeine issues or rashes alone, go to PCP and have them help. Be well! HUGS! these are sites I saved in regards to PS: Here is a few links to average costs! http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgerystatistics.com/basics.html http://www.plasticsurgery4u.com/prices.html http://www.ineed2know.org/plastic-surgery-costs.htm?referrer=adwords http://www.plasticsurgerycosts.com/ http://beautysurg.com/learn/general_fees.html Some other sites to look at: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/ http://www.abplsurg.org/index.htm http://www.surgery.org/public/index.php http://www.tuckthattummy.com/ http://patient-info.com/brochures.htm Some groups to ask ? and look at pics etc! http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GastricBypass-PlasticSurgery/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ossgplasticsurgery2/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WLSandPlasticSurgery/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG_Reconstructive_Plastic_Surgery/ What To Expect From Your Plastic Surgery Consultation http://www.beyondchange-obesity.com/medicalMatters/whatToExpect.html I self paid for a Lower body Lift and Breast Augmentation. I suggest waiting 18 onths to seek a PS appointment and up to 2 yrs so you have stabilized (wt wise for 6 mo!) Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"