Question:
Does Kaiser Insurance cover any plastic surgery?

I was wanting to know if Kaiser Insurance covers any plastic surgery??? Tummy Tuck? Boob lift? Arms?? ect??? I know I will need all after surgery    — Shari V. (posted on March 19, 2002)

March 19, 2002
At the mandatory meeting I attended for my WLS, we were told yes, that Kaiser does cover some plastic surgery such as a tummy tuck. However, it has to be medically necessary. She went on to explain what the meant in Kaiser terms...If for instance the apron is causing you back pain, or if the apron is causing you to have rashes underneath. That type of thing is covered. As far as the arms and boob lift,I am not sure.
   — ScatCat

July 10, 2002
Does BC/BS Health Options cover tummy tucks for medical reasons?
   — Jacqueline S.

November 8, 2002
I was told by my OB/GYN that even boob jobs are covered if they cause you back/neck/shoulder pain. I was also told that they will cover the lift but you would have to pay for the fill.
   — Eileen D.

March 6, 2003
Does medicare pay for any plastic surgery/ Breast reduction? Tummy?
   — Marya H.

March 6, 2003
As a Kaiser patient and employee I can tell you it will be extremely difficult tk get Kaiser to pay for plastics. Not impossible, but unlikely. DOCUMENT every rash, pimple, sore spot, etc. See your PCP for everything skin elated. Do Not treat yourself, make sure there is a medical record of the problem.
   — ~~Stacie~~

September 10, 2004
I had a tummy tuck done by Kaiser. I will also be having a breast reduction. All covered. I stayed overnight in the hospital and didn't even have a co payment. I asked my PCP for a referral to plastic surgery and he gave it to me. I have never had any rashes, but I did have an overhang of skin.
   — Allison M.

December 11, 2004
Yes, they will cover a tummy tuck if it is medically indicated. I have Kaiser Permanente HMO and I have experienced rashes for years - after I lost 130 lbs, the loose apron of skin below my belly continues to give me occasional outbreaks of very painful rashes. Steroid creams prescribed to treat the condition have thinned my skin and given me hideous stretchmarks and pockmarked divots in my flesh. I had to get a second opinion from dermatology to get my referral to plastic surgery. The first dermatologist just pushed more steroid cream at me and told me my condition was "manageable." The second dermatologist was MUCH more considerate of my situation and told me the condition is called intertrigo & I received a referral to plastic surgery. I met with the surgeon I requested, based on experience of a friend who has had bariatric surgery and post-op hernia & pannulectomy (tummy tuck) has scheduled me for pannulectomy surgery next month. He was very thoughtful and supportive; even so, I was blushing furiously as he examined me.
   — Pamela M.

October 2, 2005
Finally...I got my "Tips for Getting Your Plastic Surgery Approved" worksheet on my website. It will help individuals who have medically necessary issues get their plastic surgery covered, at least in part, by insurance. Check www.drlomonaco.com under "Patient Resources"
   — DrL

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