Does BC/Blue Shield Ever Approve Tummy Tuck?

Has anyone ever been approved for Abdominoplasty by Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

I have heard they will sometimes cover a lower body lift if there are health problems (rash, fungus, etc) caused by excess skin. I don't think they will do an actual tummy tuck because that is considered cosmetic.

I have Anthem and have the info saved. They will cover a panni, with extensive documentation (of rashes that were unable to heal with 3 months of treatment) and pictures.

Yes.  My surgeon called it panniculectomy throughout my consults, but ran into a hernia repair at surgery & did the muscle work.  My insurance statements have all indicated payment for abdominoplasty.  A nice surprise! 

I just got the reports this week that it was indeed an abdominoplasty vs a panniculectomy -- I fully expected that insurance would only cover the panniculectomy and that was what was done.  Most of the time, just panniculectomy is covered. 

Wow, lucky break!  I was told by one of the Cosmetic Surgeons office that they call it a panni as well and that BC never approves a tummy tuck or adbominoplasty!

OH, WELL, would have been nice!   thanks ALL! 

I was just approved for Panni, they would not cover abdominoplasty (considered cosmetic)  I have harvard pilgrim.

Is there a huge difference in panni and abdominoplasty

The Panni is the lower abdomin that hangs down from excessive weightloss and can cause infections.  From what I was told it is the only procedure that might be covered by Insurance.  Abdominoplasty, I think is what they consider above the belly button and they consider it cosmetic.  My surgeon put in a request for both procedures for me, but they only approved the panni. 

Only rarely will any insurance over a tummy tuck unless you have a hernia that needs repaired.  They will frequently cover the panniculectomy, though, if you have rash issues.

Lora