Anyone successful at getting arms covered?

I know the drill with the insurance companies. The panni is almost always covered and it is actually writen in my policy. What I am looking for is anyone who has been successfully in obtaining coverage on their arms with BC/BS.

I remember sometime back their were a few post of individuals who did obtain approval. I am just curious because I am ready to battle the insurance company and looking for some advice from those who have won their appeals.

Nope.  Even with rashes in my armpits, infected cuts from shaving, and letters of medical neccessity from three doctors, I was denied.  They said brachioplasty is ALWAYS considered cosmetic.  So I paid for it myself and deducted it as a medical expense on my taxes since I had doctor support of the medical necessity.

Lora

Hi,

My insurance company approved me for an arm lift, breast lift/breast reduction and panniculectomy. I thought that I would have to fight to get my arms and breasts covered but I was approved the first time. I am having br/bl and arms done on 6.23.10.

I had documentation for the following issues:

Neck, shoulder and back pain that interferes with my daily life
Recurring Bicep Tendonitis which has not responded to conservative treatment.
Failure of medications to relieve the pain
Failure of non-surgical methods to relieve the pain (Physical Therapy)
Skin that hangs below the pubic region from both a front and side view which the physiatrist believes contributes to the back pain pain.
Excess skin on my upper arms that contributes to the chronic pain and bicep tendonitis and makes exercising very difficult.

My physical therapist sent his treatment notes, the physiatrist sent in documentation detailing all the treatments we have tried, cortisone injections, lidocaine patches, oral steroids, and narcotics to manage the pain. My primary doctor sent in all her documentation for all the times she has seen me for these issues and all the narcotics she has prescribed as well as all the referrals to orthopedic specialists, physiatrist, and physical therapy.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you need more information.

Ole

Brinn
I thought you had posted this before, just wanted to double check.  I am making note of this information as I may need to get a referral for physical therapy. I have to googel the bicep tendonitis issue.  Also with the BR/BL was there a particular size you have to be. I am currently a droppy 38C, all skin. I am afraid I will have nothing left.

I have Anthem BCBS and they approved my arm lift.  The only thing my PS sent in were pictures, I had no documentation of rashes or previous treatments. 

Thank you Purpletb
My arms are huge and I am hoping I can get them approved. I have a consultation next Monday. The doctor and his team have a reputation for clearly documented the need and getting things approved fairly quickly.  I am curious was all of your procedures covered or just this one?  And what state are you in?

I'm in Texas.  I had my arms, thighs and upper back done but all BCBS covered was the arms.  Good Luck....I hope you get an approval.