How do I start?
I'm still several pounds away from goal, but I'm almost 2 years postop and am starting to look into plastics and do some research.
Where do I start? Do I see my PCP? Do I go straight to a surgeon and start getting consults?
How realistic is it to get things covered by my insurance?
I don't think I'll have a problem getting my Panni (stomach) covered, due to skin problems, but what about other procedures?
Has anyone had their arms? legs? butt? breasts? face? etc etc etc covered? What were the medical reasons that you had to get this approved?
If there are any links or good places you can point me in the direction of that'd be great.
Thank you!
Where do I start? Do I see my PCP? Do I go straight to a surgeon and start getting consults?
How realistic is it to get things covered by my insurance?
I don't think I'll have a problem getting my Panni (stomach) covered, due to skin problems, but what about other procedures?
Has anyone had their arms? legs? butt? breasts? face? etc etc etc covered? What were the medical reasons that you had to get this approved?
If there are any links or good places you can point me in the direction of that'd be great.
Thank you!
Weight at time of Surgery: 278. Lowest Weight 178. Current weight 187.0. Goal: 160.
(deactivated member)
on 1/11/10 10:42 pm - AL
on 1/11/10 10:42 pm - AL
maybe ask your bypass surgeon if he can recommend a plastic surgeon. Thats what mine did. My first PS was an extended abdominoplasy, and the removal of the panni was covered by my insurance. But all the extra abdomen work he did while in there was not covered. I had to fork out that $$$ myself. But it was well worth it.
I have heard there are ways to get other procedures covered if medical conditions warrant it. So good luck with everything. No time like the present to start getting consults.
I have heard there are ways to get other procedures covered if medical conditions warrant it. So good luck with everything. No time like the present to start getting consults.
Dear Zaudika,
It is certainly nice to have your medical insurance pay for your plastic surgery procedures. In most cases, you have to "prove" that the operations are medically indicated. You will need to proper documentation from your physicians.
For your abdomen (and other body parts), there are specific criteria that the majority of insurances require for coverage.
For starters, I recommend finding out who are the best plastic surgeons in your area and call their offices to see if they accept medical insurance for post-bariatric plastic surgeon procedures. Go ahead and schedule consults.
In the meantime, ask your primary care doctor and bariatric surgeon to write letters of necessity for the procedures you want covered.
Reasons for inclusion of medical coverage may include: chronic rashes, chronic wounds or skin breakdown, chronic yeast infections, skin interfering with bodily functions (going to the bathroom etc...), severe pain, hernia(abdomen). Most insurances require at least 6 months of documentation showing failure in medical treatments.
Good Luck!
Sincerely,
Joshua Kreithen, M.D.
It is certainly nice to have your medical insurance pay for your plastic surgery procedures. In most cases, you have to "prove" that the operations are medically indicated. You will need to proper documentation from your physicians.
For your abdomen (and other body parts), there are specific criteria that the majority of insurances require for coverage.
For starters, I recommend finding out who are the best plastic surgeons in your area and call their offices to see if they accept medical insurance for post-bariatric plastic surgeon procedures. Go ahead and schedule consults.
In the meantime, ask your primary care doctor and bariatric surgeon to write letters of necessity for the procedures you want covered.
Reasons for inclusion of medical coverage may include: chronic rashes, chronic wounds or skin breakdown, chronic yeast infections, skin interfering with bodily functions (going to the bathroom etc...), severe pain, hernia(abdomen). Most insurances require at least 6 months of documentation showing failure in medical treatments.
Good Luck!
Sincerely,
Joshua Kreithen, M.D.
Joshua Kreithen, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery - Sarasota-Bradenton, FL www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery - Sarasota-Bradenton, FL www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com
L N.
on 1/12/10 9:29 am - , CA
on 1/12/10 9:29 am - , CA
Hi, you certainly seem ready to start doing the plastic surgery search. I think being within 10 lbs of your ideal weight ( maintained a min 6months) is perfectly okay to get ps, but I am not an MD, so maybe I'm wrong. I used Dr. Agha, who likes you to be 20+ lbs from goal so that he has fat to work with to graft into other areas. I went in on Aug. 20, 2009 t 164 and am 152 now...I am going get down to between 140-145...If Iget too much lower, I don't look very healthy... Best of luck to you:)))
LN
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