Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Breast Reduction: Is It Covered By Insurance?

Cosmetic surgery has something to offer just about anyone who has a problem with the way they look. While many women are going in to see a surgeon to get implants, another portion of the female population is going to those same surgeons to get a breast reduction. Of course, there are reasons other than vanity to get this procedure.

A big chest can be a burden for many women. It can hamper exercise, make breaking difficult, cause lower back pain, and make it challenging to find clothes that fit well. Of course, as with any form of cosmetic surgery, breast reduction can be expensive. The good news is that it can sometimes be covered by health insurance.

If you're thinking about getting the procedure done and want to see about getting it covered by insurance, the best first stop is your family practitioner. Talk to him about the surgery and explain the types of problems you've been having that are leading you to consider this option. He will be able to advise you on the best course of action and may be able to refer you to a good doctor or clinic.

He may also be able to act as an advocate on your behalf, increasing the chances that your health insurance will pay for the operation. As long is there is a verifiable medical reason for you to have the surgery, there's little reason why insurance would be unwilling to cover it. These reasons could include back pain, poor posture, chest pain, or even spinal issues.

Another option you have is to simply call your insurance company yourself and ask them about their benefits as it pertains to breast reduction surgery. They will have concrete example of what they will and won't cover, and for what reasons, so you shouldn't have to worry about them playing games with you to try and talk you out of filing a claim. If they have a clause that covers the cost of the procedure for medical reasons, you then will simply need to provide them with documentation that you have the medical issues that would induce them to shell out the money.

Of course, the next step is to find a good surgeon who accepts your insurance plan. It will be in your benefit to choose a doctor who is in your insurance plan's network so as to further save out of pocket money on the cost of the procedure. The clinic or doctor's office will be well prepared to answer your questions, as they deal with the same questions on a daily basis. They will also know the kind of criteria and documentation the insurance companies are looking for to help them decide whether or not to cover the costs and will be able to provide the company with this information.