Question:
Do some Insurance companies pay for plastic surgery after weighloss ?

What is used as a reason for plastic surgery as that would appear more for cosmetic reasons?    — Marcia A. (posted on September 2, 2003)

September 1, 2003
Mine does but it is not considered plastic surgery but reconstructive surgery. There are different codes. Every Insurance comapny is different. The rules for mine (Humana ChoiceCare) are 1 year out and stable. Good Luck to you.
   — snicklefritz

September 2, 2003
Hi: My two insurance companies (both BCBS) have approved me for a Branchioplasty which is scheduled for 9/18. I did all the paper work to get approved. All my PS had to do was write a letter. I even did all the pictures to send in. I asked for reconstructive rather than cosmetic and attached articles from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons on the difference between plastic and reconstructive surgery, and about people who loose massive amounts of weight need to have reconstructive surgery. I did get turned down by my BCBS insurance company (hubby's BCBS approved right away), I appealed and won. I told them the skin on my arms were causing rashes, and that I couldn't shave anymore by myself because when I lift my arm the skin fell into my armpit. I went into the psychological issues such as wearing bigger shirts, and not reaching across a table because the skin will hang in my food. I put in every thing I could think of. My PS told me straight out that I'd never get it approved, and when I did he was amazed. He gave me all the credit for getting it approved. I want a tummy tuck in about a year and my PS told me he can't wait to see the letter that I write for that surgery. E-mail me and I'll send you a copy of my letter. [email protected] Good Luck to you!
   — Donna W.

September 2, 2003
Acordia is my primary provider, and CIGNA PPO is my secondary. Both providers approved my tummy tuck and armlift surgery. My plastic surgeon's letter of medical necessity stressed that the surgery was "reconstructive" in nature and included frontal and profile photographs. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.