Surgery questions

I posted this under a post, but thought I would re-post it here in case some one else has some input.  Thanks so much.

My insurance company will pay for a panniculectomy.  I have already been approved, but needed to reschedule until May.  The forms from the scheduler say I am having an abdomniaplasty.  When I talked to my surgeon, she did say that the skin will be pulled down to smooth out the top.  I asked if it would fix the "muffin top" I have, she said yes.  She did check my muscles to see if I needed to have them tightened, and she said there was no seperation so that she did not need to do that.  I don't remember what she said about the belly button.  At that point, I wasn't hopeful the insurance company would cover it and I told my husband I wouldn't do it unless they did, in case of complications.

Should I call the surgeon and clarify what is being done and if it truly will resolve the muffin top?  If the muscles are not seperated, do I really need a full TT?

I will be paying alot out of pocket anyway, as my deductible and co-pay is $8500 total.  I did not even discuss upgrading on my dime, as I knew I wouldn't be having it done if it wasn't covered under insurance anyways.  Is that something I should pursue now?

Thanks for any input.

WOW......co-pay and deductible $8500.00???? What is the insurance covering? I got a Tummy Tuck and Thigh Lift for $8500.00. I would definently check with them and find out exactly what they are doing. I know my price was cheap because I used a Resident Clinic, but $8500.00 out of pocket after insurance and it isn't even a full TT seems a bit much.

It's a high deductible plan with a Health Savings account. I have to meet a family deductible (2 x single deductible) plus co-pay before it pays out. My employer does deposit $2800 into the Health savings account each year, so there is that. It's far from the best plan. I don't know what the cost of the procedure is, so if it's less - I will pay less. That is probably one of the questions I should ask.

8,500 for a TT with no muscle repair?

I am paying 6,750 for a TT with repair and the muffin top will be gone (out-patient at a fully accredited surgical center with full anesthesia -- and 12 months of follow-up care by my Plastic Surgeon).

That sure sounds high for a co-pay -- but yes, I would certainly call and get everything explained.
Make sure your doctor understands what you expect to pay -- and what you expect to get -- and that your expectations line up fully with hers.

Good luck!!