Question:
IS IT EASIER TO GET A TUMMY TUCK IF YOU HAVE A HERNIA?

I CALLED A PLASTIC SURGEON TODAY FOR A CONSULT. I HAVE ONE OR MAY 12TH. I TOLD THE NURSE I HAVE A LARGE HERNIA AND WANT TO HAVE A TUMMY TUCK DONE ALSO. SHE SAID IF I DIDN'T HAVE A HERNIA,I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE TUMMY TUCK. BUT SHE SAID SINCE I HAVE A HERNIA, THE INSURANCE CO. WILL PAY FOR THE TT ALSO. I HAVE BCBS. IS IT EASIER TO GET APPROVED IF YOU ALSO HAVE A HERNIA?    — Gale G. (posted on March 31, 2003)

March 31, 2003
Gale there are reasons for the insurance to pay. I have been denied one time. I have BCBS also. I went to a plastic surgeon the first time and was denied because BCBS said it was cosmedic. I am waiting now for a approval. My new surgeon is a bariatric surgeon. I have a hernia also. There is a site to get info if you will e-mail me [email protected] Nezziel
   — Shirley F.

March 31, 2003
Hi; Good luck with getting it paid for. My experience has been it will be cheaper.....but not "Free", usually since you are under for the hernia repair, it is cheeper to have the tummy tuck done...but unless that procedure is approved in addition to the hernia repair you will be billed for that portion of the surgery. It is cheaper that it would be, but still make sure you get it approved by submitting the appropriate documentation of medical neccessity. Again, GOOD LUCK....just would hate for you to have a high $$$$ surprise.
   — Keniki B.

March 31, 2003
I don't have BCBS but my TT was approved for coverage since i was going in for the hernia repair. My surgeon that did my bypass also did the TT/hernia. Good Luck
   — Tammy N.

April 1, 2003
Gale, BC?BS will pay for the TT along with the hernia repair. I have BC/BS and My hernia repair /TT is May2nd. My plastic surgeon says Bc/BS requires the patient to have lost atleast 100lbs to include paying for theTT. I had my surgery 8-19-02 and I have lost 164lbs. I have an incisional hernia the size of a basketball. I hope this info helps! Good Luck, Beth
   — Elizabeth C.