One of the questions we at Atlantic Coast Aesthetics often deal with is the issue of payment for procedures. We know not everyone can afford to pay for extensive cosmetic surgery all at once, and often insurance coverage is a factor. Our ACA Question of the Week comes from our Twitter followers, one of whom asks, “Does insurance cover Mommy Makeovers, lipo or tummy tucks? Do you have a payment plan?” Dr. Thomas A. Pane, our Chief Medical Officer and founder, wanted to address this question because it is a very common one that has repercussions for many patients.
As far as insurance goes, Dr. Pane says the short answer is no, medical insurance generally does not pay for cosmetic surgery because these procedures are usually considered to be elective. Exceptions are sometimes made for certain elements of a Mommy Makeover, such as breast augmentation or a tummy tuck. These are usually exempted from standard elective surgery restrictions in cases where the procedure is needed as a reconstructive measure after a mastectomy or in the wake of bariatric surgery. Vaginoplasty and liposuction are almost never covered unless there is a functional problem relating to the area in question. Even then, the reasons these procedures may be covered are so limited that they may as well be considered not to exist unless the case is very, very extreme. Even more confusing, there is no hard-and-fast standard protocol for how these procedures are covered when insurance does approve them.
Another factor that plays into whether insurance will cover a given cosmetic procedure is the question of severity. Often, procedures that are normally considered elective may be covered in cases where a medical complication exists. Because of the stringent guidelines that cover what the insurance company considers “severe,” the company regulations may be much more restrictive than what a surgeon or patient would consider “severe.” It is not uncommon for insurance companies to pre-approve procedures and refuse to pay later, leading to problems for both the surgeon and patient. Therefore, the short, simple answer is no, insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery, especially complex procedures like a Mommy Makeover.
Regarding financing, Dr. Pane notes that nearly all cosmetic surgery practices offer at least one or more finance options. At ACA, we offer three different financing options through reputable companies with whom we have long-term relationships and have enjoyed a great deal of success and satisfaction. The key concern in this case is that we don’t want to see patients amass a huge debt or unnecessarily extended payment plans in order to obtain services. For this reason, Dr. Pane prefers to work with the patient directly to understand their needs, financial circumstances and other factors that may affect what options are available.
While ACA does offer finance options for those patients who qualify, Dr. Pane stresses that it is very important for patients to do their homework and check out the available options independently. In this regard, seeking out medical financing is no different than looking for a medical provider. The right combination of services and options for someone else may be completely wrong for you. It’s crucial that you fully understand what the loan parameters are as well as your rights and responsibilities. While we can offer limited, general assistance with this, you wouldn’t go to a banker for a facelift, would you?
When considering financing for cosmetic surgery, weighing the risks and benefits to your body and your financial future are vital components in making sure you make the right choice for your circumstances. Every person is different, and this is just as true of selecting medical financing as choosing a surgeon to perform the procedure. Generally speaking, the best option for you will deliver all the things you need and minimize the ones you don’t. Think of this in terms of financial aftercare and plan ahead, just like you would for the procedure itself.
If you have a question about anything related to cosmetic surgery, everyone at ACA, from Dr. Pane to the front desk, are ready and waiting to help you! You can email us at https://acplasticsurg.com, follow us on Facebook or call us at (561) 422-4116. You might even find your question is ACA’s next Question of the Week, answered live by Dr. Pane in a Google Hangout! This helps us get the word out about questions we hear a lot, and gets you the information and knowledge you need to make a great decision while helping others too. The only bad question is the one you don’t ask!