Question from Allentown, PA:The approximate costs after an assessment by a surgeon I respect for a facelift and neck surgery was $11,000. The receptionist mentioned insurance options. I’m wondering what is out there and whether any one has used a particular insurance company?
Answer from Dr. Dean Kane, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon from Baltimore:
Thanks for this question! It is a source of confusion and frustration for both the Patient and the Cosmetic Surgery Practice. The medical insurance industry separates “RECONSTRUCTIVE” surgery from “COSMETIC” surgery.- Reconstructive means it is covered but needs approval from your medical insurer. (Unfortunately, some insurers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid and Medicare will not pre-approve, so you are financially at risk until you submit and they approve payment or not).
- Cosmetic means it is for personal enhancement with no “therapeutic” improvement and is not covered by the terms of your medical insurance contract.
- ”ELECTIVE” (meaning the choice of time, date and place are variable and may need pre-authorization approval) from
- ”EMERGENCY” (in which case, surgery is required to recover a life or limb threat).
- Direct payment to the physician and healthcare facility (where deductibles and co-pays are paid by you)
- Or whether the procedure(s) are fully “self-paid” by you.
- Your bank,
- Reverse or second mortgage,
- Care Credit
- American Health Lending
- If your credit score is too low for the loan you are requesting, ask for less and later come back and ask for more.
- Review all the fine print to understand your payout as some options are overwhelming and some may even have 0% financing within a limited time.
- Many practices have “private” banking lines for their patients who are more flexible than standard banks or lending sites. Ask the patient coordinator if you may speak with them directly.
