Question:
ANYONE WITH FED BCBS HAD ABDOMINOPLASTY COVERED?

Im 10 months out(down 127lbs.) and had consultation with PS today. He automatically said that ins. would not cover abdominoplasty and would only pay for panniculectomy if lucky. My book states that any reconstructive surgery is covered. panni- wouldn't do me any good because I have alot of skin overhang above my bellybutton. Anyone know what the cost difference is if the ins. approves panni- and decide to have abdominoplasty. PS wouldn't give me any cost breakdowns.    — Tonya H. (posted on March 3, 2004)

March 3, 2004
It sounds like this doctor is more interested in money then in your welfare. I would look for another doctor. If he TRULY was interested in doing the best work possible on you, he would tell you what the price differential would be between a panni and abdominoplasty. It seems like he is all about the money. My doctor just automatically did the abdominoplasty because as he said "I want to make you look the best that you possibly can". That's the kind of doctor who I want operating on me. Go look at some different doctors and you will find someone who you click with who will do the best job on you possible.
   — Patty H.

March 3, 2004
Hi, I just had panniculectomy and have BC/BS Federal and BC/BS of Ill as a secondary. They both approved. See my profile part 2 for the details. Good luck! PS My surgery was combined with a hernia repair and the bill which I just received was $32,000.....whew!
   — Mylou52

March 5, 2004
I have heard of one woman on here who had fed bc/bs pay for her abdominoplasty and she did have a hernia. Mine was denied after I had the surgery even though I had a hernia. I'm not sure if this was because of the way the doctor submitted it or not, also on my appeal they kept asking for pics and the doctor only took one. They also kept asking for records and frankly there were none. The funny thing is fed bd/bs paid for my breast lift. I figured that would be denied and I would have to pay for that, so after I lost my second appeal with OPM, I cut a deal with the doctor and paid it off. The insurance did pay for all of the hernia part of the operation, anesthesia and my hospital stay, so I only had to pay the doctor's fee which he cut in half for me. I count myself lucky.
   — Lisa N M.