Question:
Could I still get approved for plastics?

I am four years out and haven't had any plastics. I have medicare for disability. Could I get approved for any and especially the "tummy tuck"? I do have rashes, and pain. What about the documentation, is it too late? If anyone could give me information or maybe tell me the things to get approved I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.    — tatterpuddin (posted on May 18, 2006)

May 18, 2006
I just went to a conferance about having plastic surgery done. they talked about documenting everything like taking pictures, calling your MD whenever you get a rash or any type of concern, to save all receipts for prescriptions and co pays. They also talked about other things that could inhibit you from doing your everyday routine to journal, such as oder, proper hygiene or even intimacy. Hope that helps
   — Jenney

May 18, 2006
I think, at this time, the only way that Medicare will pay for Abdominoplasti is in conjunction with a hernia repair. Other private insurance is better at paying due to other medical necessity concerns like rashes, back pain/mis allignment, odor, intimacy problems. Hope that helps, Sherry
   — wealthgvr

May 19, 2006
I have medicare only and went for my first plastics consult september 2005. Was told by the surgeon that he could take off about 8 to 10 lbs of hanging panni and do a abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). I was told by the medicare office that they do not preapprove and the dr had to confirm that it is medically necessary to have the surgery done. Also that the dr submitted the right code for the procedure. But when I called the surgeons office to schedule the surgery I was told that I had to pay up front $5860. This would include the hospital stay over night and the cost of the surgery and a follow up visit 1 week after going home. I was told that medicare would re-emburse me all but 20%. I called medicare again and they told me that as long as the surgeons office put the right code on the right forms before surgery and after medicare would cover the abdominoplasty. That I would have to pay 20%. I would not have to document nothing about rashes or meds or pain or nothing. Call medicare and just see what they say. Lipo suction you will have to pay for. Irish aka Ms Pisces
   — mspisces