Question:
Why is it that?????? abdom & pann codes?

when i looked up the codes for abdominoplasty & panniculectomy(1588310) they are listed as the same procedure but are in fact 2 very different procedures???? i discussed a anchor incision abdominoplasty with my surgeon and that was what she requested approval for and my referral says "abdominoal panniculectomy) was approved; so yes i have a date for 9/23 but i am not gonna go through with this unless it is actually a abdominoplasty so now i have to make one more trip to my surgeon for clarification!!!!!    — Dia C. (posted on August 30, 2004)

August 30, 2004
I had the same thing with the codes. First they denied the abdominoplasty and muscle tightening, then were forced by an external review to pay for a panni. When I got a letter from the insurance company stating all the codes that were approved, the abdominoplasty code which was denied was approved. I can't figure it out, but my Dr. did the abdominoplasty. I would ask your Dr. and see what he says.
   — Fixnmyself

August 30, 2004
Every insurance company is different. I was approved for panniculectomy but ended up with a belt lipectomy and had my muscles tightened... as when the surgeon got in, that is what he felt he needed to do, and the insurance was fine about it.<br><br> I would call the office, fax your letter; why make a trip?
   — kultgirl

August 30, 2004
I went through the same thing. Even the plastic surgeon's office people kept referring to my surgery as a panniculectomy! When I signed my consent for surgery, I was darned sure it said abdominoplasty! In fact, my plastic surgeon sent in to my insurance company a letter requesting coverage of a panniculectomy! Her thinking on that was that insurance companies are more likely to approve a panniculectomy rather than an abdominoplasty. (The panni was flat out denied.Duh!) By the way, I did NOT have the anchor incision. Mine is hip to hip. I was really worried about my upper abdomen. I didn't want my lower abdomen to be flat with a spare tire hanging over it. My spare tire is gone and my stomach is flat, and it has only been a month. To my mind, those two procedures are different. I would go back to the surgeon and explain what your expectations are, and what you want.
   — koogy