Did your insurance cover your panni?

your number 1 question yes it doesa my back always killed me had mine removed last week and my back pain is little to none...and yes my insurance covered it Office manager at my Dr office handled everything she said let me deal with them i will get it covered:) and 3 days later Hello Michelle see you in Nov for Panni removal:) and she also is gonna get breast covered but waiting till May for that:) Let my old body heal:) Good Luck:)

My Insurance will NOT cover it.  They have written in the policy that "any plastic surgery that is the direct result of Approved RNY  Gastric Bypass Surgery will NOT be covered even if deemed necessary for optimal health."  They also repeated that phrase in the approval letter when they approved my RNY in 2008.  However, when I priced it out at the beginning of the week it is only going to be a little under $16,000 for a Circumferential Body Lift.  I have that in savings, so it looks like i will schedule it after my brother's wedding in January.

AS far as helping with the back pain, it should.  The extra weight of the skin hanging off your front mess your body mechanics up and throws things out of alignment.  so removing that whould get your center of gravity back where it belongs.  Although you may feel more pain for a while as you adjust your new center of gravity.

 Getting plastic surgery covered after weight loss is somewhat like getting weight loss surgery covered.  There has to be medical documentation that shows that the surgery is a medical necessity.  Ongoing back pain, infections, and the extent to which the extra skin hangs are important for insurance authorizations.  Many plastic surgeons, at least in our area, don’t accept insurance because of the hassle.  Go in for your appointment with documentation from your doctor and be prepared to use the information, photos, and a letter of medical necessity to get your covered.  Best of luck to you!

I have medcost as well, do you know how your claim was coded.  What information was submitted to the insurance company as to why the surger was necessary?

Thanks
djamey

Mine covered it.  I had extended tummy tuck (fleur-de-lis).  My insurance is MedCost.  They gave me a pretty quick approval, too -- I think it was around 3 weeks after submitting the paperwork I got the approval.  My PS's office was SHOCKED that they covered it and said that most companies don't.  So I was not expecting it at all!  

sounds like you have great insurance.  I am 3 days post adominoplasty(full tummy tuck).  My insurance covered the pani part of it, and I had to pay for the rest.  I got my surgery at a very expensive surgeon here in san Francisco, and it was 12k.  my insurance covered 7k and I got financing for the rest.  The doctor and his staff knew exatly what to look for, and I was approved based on how far the skin fell below my pubic bone.  And my insurance paid!  I am only 3 days post op now like I said.. but I look very different.  It's crazy.  However, about the back pain, I experienced that throughout weight loss, and I truly think it has a lot to  do with your body changing and your back adjusting.  At 2 years post op I stopped having all the back pain, and I think it is because my body began to adjust!
good luck!

My Insurance did cover the panni they gave me a answer within 5 days after my consultation with my PS! I am scheduled for Dec 9th. Pretty excited going to talk about getting the full tummy tuck and breast. so we will see how much I would have to pay out of pocket. Cant wait!