Question:
Does anyone know

Does anyone know about how much a tummy tuck cost if insurance wont approve this kind of surgery? I need the skin on my lower back taken out too. also do they do a tummy tuck and remove the skin around the lower back at the samee time? I have a lot of loose skin around the top of my hips and it is making my back ache near my hips so I would like to have this surgery. I have anthem in va. I havent tried to get approved yet but am just wondering what it may cost me if I cant get approved. thanks for any info.    — taterbug898 (posted on December 7, 2005)

December 7, 2005
I had a tummy tuck and it was around $6,000 and she removed all she could without having to turn me over. This was about 2 yrs ago.
   — TBarr

December 7, 2005
Since the extra skin is making you back ache, this may be considered medically necessary and the insurance may cover it. You just have to find the right doctor to write it up the correct way. It's all about medical codes. If my chiropractor didn't use a certain code, my insurance wouldn't pay. It can be done -- lower back pain ain't no joke. It's like a woman can say -- her breasts are so big that they are causing back and shoulder pain -- they'll whittle those babies down in a minute. Check with your WLS surgeon to see who they recommend and go from there.
   — the7thdean

December 7, 2005
My advice is to contact a cosmetic surgeon, and get a consultation with them. By doing this, you will have the info you need first hand. All surgeons are different. My consultaion was free. I really got my eyes opened! I can not afford the surgery at this time, but atleast I have an actual figure so I can aim for a goal. Take the time to call your insurance, ask them about RECONSTRUCTIVE surgery after massive weight loss---see what , if anything, they will cover. I wish you the best. Rhonda Patrick RNY 9-01-04 beginning weight 312, weight loss- 150 pounds. NO LONGER DIABETIC (insulin dependant).
   — Rhonda S.

December 7, 2005
i have anthem of va too. they have approved my surgery for a tummy tuck. go see a dr to see if yours will be paid too. where do you live? there is a really good female dr in charlottesville. also if you contact some hospitals (not private) to see if they will do it if you donate your extra skin. i heard that mcv does this. e-mail me with any questions [email protected] tammi jordan
   — tjjjx6

December 8, 2005
Go visit a PS and have them submit for approval, that's your best bet. I've seen two PS's and received two very different quotes. One for about 7k and the other for 11k. I just can't bring myself to spend that kind of money right now, and I really don't want to have another surgery. Maybe sometime in the future, but right now, I'd rather have a new kitchen. :P
   — RebeccaP