How can I get my insurance to cover a breast reduction?
In most cases, insurers require the surgeon write a letter describing the patient’s symptoms and physical findings, estimating the breast weight to be removed, and requesting coverage. This should be done prior to scheduling surgery because the insurer may not be obligated to pay if surgery was not preauthorized.
Will insurance cover a breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction is commonly considered a reconstructive surgical procedure (although there is a cosmetic component to it), so the surgery may be covered by health insurance if it is performed to relieve medical symptoms.
How long does it take for insurance to cover breast reduction?
On average, it takes between 3-6 months of preparation, including secondary consultations with other healthcare providers and possible therapy (physical therapy or chiropractics) to qualify for insurance coverage for breast reduction.
How do I qualify for a breast reduction?
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
- You are physically healthy.
- You have realistic expectations.
- You don’t smoke.
- You are bothered by feeling that your breasts are too large.
- You have breasts that limit your physical activity.
- You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts.
What size qualifies for breast reduction?
Most insurance companies will want to know the weight of breast tissue the plastic surgeon believes he or she can remove during a breast reduction. This number may be 450 grams, 500 grams or 600 grams.
What is considered a large bust?
Bra Size Chart
| Under Bust Size | Bra Size | Easy-Fit Size |
|---|---|---|
| 34″ to 35″ | 40 | Medium |
| 36″ to 37″ | 42 | Large |
| 38″ to 39″ | 44 | Large |
| 40″ to 41″ | 46 | XL |
Does breast size affect BMI?
Results: Breast volumes ranged from 48 to 3100 mL. Although breast volume was not significantly affected by age, it was significantly affected by BMI, with the breast volume of overweight and obese women being two-to-three times greater than women with normal BMI’s.
How can I qualify for breast reduction?
Medical and Health Reasons That Cause Patients To Seek Breast Reduction Surgery
- Chronic skin infections.
- Excess perspiration around and/or under breasts.
- Challenges when exercising caused by large, pendulous breasts.
- Back pain, neck pain or shoulder pain related to breast weight, breast volume or breast ptosis.
What age is appropriate for a breast reduction?
While breast reduction can often be performed safely and successfully for patients in their mid teens, many cosmetic surgeons prefer patients wait until they are at least 18 before undergoing the procedure.
How much does a DD breast weigh?
A pair of D-cup breasts could weigh anywhere from a few pounds to as much as 20. The larger the breasts, the more they move and the greater the discomfort. In one study, 56 percent of women suffered from breast pain when jogging.
How much does a pair of DDD breast weigh?
A pair of D-cup breasts can weigh between 15 and 23 pounds, “the equivalent of carrying around a six-month old baby boy.” This source also states that a pair of D-cup breasts weighs between 15 and 23 pounds.
What do insurance companies cover breast reduction?
Most insurance companies require a certain amount of breast tissue to be removed in order to qualify for coverage. Large reductions, such as from a G cup down to a C cup, are often covered. Breast reductions that remove at least 500 grams from each breast are frequently covered as well.
Do you think insurance would pay for a breast reduction?
If you are thinking about having a breast reduction, contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies cover some or all of the costs of breast reduction surgery if surgery is being done to relieve back pain, skin problems, or other medical problems caused by large or heavy breasts.
Which insurance covers breast reduction?
Medicare covers breast reduction surgery if it is deemed medically necessary by a doctor. If you’re an older woman who is experiencing back or neck pain as a result of your breast size, your breast reduction surgery may be covered by Medicare.
Will Medicare pay for breast reduction surgery?
Although Medicare will cover breast reduction surgery if medically necessary, Medicare will not give prior authorization for the surgery. A prerequisite for claiming benefits is that the surgery has already been performed.