Question:
What are the codes used to get insurance to pay for a pannilectomy?

I am 15 months postop with Cigna HMO and want to have a lower bodylift and a pannilectomy. Cigna states that it must be medically necesary I have back pain all the time and the rashes only when it is hot. What type of info do I need to get to fight Cigna? Thanks in advance for all info!    — POOBEAR (posted on May 6, 2003)

May 6, 2003
I don't know what the codes are for the lower body lift or the panniculectomy, but, that is what I had done and Cigna HMO covered the procedure. My surgeon asked for a lipectomy of the abdomin and the right and left flanks. Maybe "lower body lift" sounds too cosmetic.
   — Pamela B.

May 7, 2003
According to our insurance auth person ICD9 Code 701.9 for Excess skin CPT codes for a panni is the same as abdominoplasty (excision of skin and fat abdomen) is 15831 and other area (hips) 15839. The words insurances companies listen to include: chronic skin irritation which cause pain, hygiene i.e., unable to keep area clean and dry. Yeast grows in dark warm moist places and that area is a perfect breeding ground and the insurance companies know it so it's harder for them to say no. Hope this helps. Good luck If you have any more question email me.
   — Rebecca L.

May 8, 2003
Here are some helpfull things for cigna insurance people are surgery should come under reconstructive surgery for the the treatment of SKIN REDUNDANCY FOLLOWING MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS CAN LEAD TO STRETCHING OF MUSCLES WHICH NEED TO BE REPAIRED BUT DOCTORS WON'T KNOW IT UNTILL PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED WHICH IS ABDOMINOPLASTY (15831 CPT) IF YOU NEED ALL THE CODES FOR YOU WHOLE BODY I WILL EMAIL THEM TO YOU.
   — sheri B.