Insurance and plastics

I understand that insurance coverage for plastics is rare, but my insurance company has been a saint, and I think it's downright stupid to not at least TRY for some sort of coverage for plastics...whether it's just the anesthesiologist or hospital or whatever.

The problem I am running into when I ask offices on the phone, is that it seems like they aren't too excited to help me file.  It seemed like a lot of people that got help from their insurance got their PS to file for them.  I'm kinda confused!

Especially when your PS doesn't contract with any insurance companies, is it common to have to file for the benefits on your own?  I just feel like I am being met with more opposition than I had originally expected.  Did you always file before surgery; is it possible to file after?

I was hoping to have a situation where my insurance covered a panniculectomy and I would pay extra for the contouring and muscle repair, it seemed like a handful of you had this situation.

I want a tummy tuck regardless, whether I pay 100% or not, but I would like to get help from insurance if it is available.

Kayla many don't want to deal with insurance at all.   You need to keep looking around to find one that will.  Going to them talking about doing non insurance covered procedures as well might help them want to work with you more.

Thanks for the insight, Tom. 

I already know I am going to owe something, because I want muscle work and that's almost never covered.  In fact, I'm totally prepared to pay for the full thing, I just don't want to leave money on the table if my insurance would be willing to kick something in.

I don't know why, but I have gotten so picky with choosing a PS.  I have two consults set up already, and both are giving free consults, and already I'm like "what...you have to lure patients in with free consults??"  Especially since my first consult when I first started thinking about plastics 2 years ago was $100.

So some crazy part of my brain thinks if they are contracted with insurance, they must be desperate and not very good. 

I think I am more picky about my PS than my WLS. 

Kayla, I looked on my insurance website and found the surgeons that participated, had consults, found a great surgeon that had massive weight loss experience and only charged an additional 2k for the extended TT! I'd call your insurance and find out what surgeons take your insurance and go from there... either that or go to Mexico if you have the time and money!
best...
Lisa

Thanks Lisa, this is what I ended up doing.

I printed out the whole list, researched them, crossed out all the No-ways and I'll make calls next week!

Good luck... I'm so glad I did my plastics!

Hey Lisa!  Any new photos to post?  How are you feeling?

Hi!
No new pics right now, feeling great!!! Thanks for asking!
Did you see the surgeon yet?