Posted August 21, 2018 in Blog, Breast Reduction
Many patients who look to plastic surgery for breast reduction may wonder if their insurance will cover the cost. And while it is common for insurance companies to cover the cost of surgeries that help reduce symptoms of medical issues, breast reductions can differ. So, do insurance companies cover or pitch in at all for the cost of breast reduction surgeries? The answer… it depends.
What is a Breast Reduction?
Unlike enhancement procedures like breast augmentation and breast lift, a breast reduction is usually not for cosmetic purposes. Rather, a breast reduction, or mammaplasty, is usually chosen to reduce medical symptoms caused by large, heavy breasts. Symptoms of this condition can include back pain, neck pain, skin rash, breast pain, and shoulder pain. Basically, during the procedure, fat and skin are removed to reduce the size of the breast. This, in turn, reduces the painful side effects and can help those affected to live more comfortably.
Doing the Research Before Surgery
If you have insurance, there is a chance it could help with or even cover the cost of a breast reduction. However, every insurance company is different. And since breast enhancement procedures are usually cosmetic, insurance companies have policies that help to determine whether or not the procedure is necessary for medical purposes. This means that most companies require patients to seek medical help for their symptoms an average of 2-3 times with corresponding recommendations for breast reductions from each physician.
So what can you do to find out if your insurance will cover the cost of your breast reduction? First, talk to your insurance company. Ask them for documentation which states the policy and requirements for breast reduction coverage. Next, talk to your primary physician about all the symptoms you’re experiencing related to large or heavy breasts. This will get you started on the process of proving to your insurance company that you need a breast reduction to eliminate symptoms.
Have More Questions About Insurance or Breast Reduction Procedures?
If you would like to know more about insurance coverage for breast reduction procedures or have other questions, Plastic Surgery Centre or Atlanta is here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brothers today. Our office is conveniently located near Acworth, Lilburn, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs.