Question:
Is it hard to get a insurance to cover a tummy tuck?

I have had 4 hip surgeries and a hysterectomy. My stomach is so stretched out and very uncomfortable. Not to mention I also have 3 herniated disc in my lower back. The drs' visits, treatment, and surgeries were all covered under a different insurance company that what I have now. What is the best way to present this to my new insurance company for coverage?    — Traci S. (posted on October 13, 2005)

October 13, 2005
Insurance companies do not like the term "tummy tuck". It is best to refer to it as abdominoplasty, or panniculectomy. I hope that helps
   — auroracabrona

October 13, 2005
Thanks!! I need all the useful info I can get. Do you have any suggestions on how to present this to my insurance company?
   — Traci S.

October 14, 2005
You also need to refer to it as reconstructive surgery and not plastic surgery. You need to provide the medical history behind why you are asking for it to be covered. If you can get your doctors to write a letter, the herniated discs, back pain and any treatments, like rashes under the skin folds are what they are looking for-in other words, is it medically necessary? They often want pictures too. Good luck
   — Cindy R.

October 16, 2005
You can go a long way to help get coverage by documenting those medical issues plus any skin problems from the excess skin. Check my website under "Patient Resources" for a document you can download that talks about tips for getting coverage.
   — DrL