Correction of a deviated septum

The Plastic Surgery Channel Surgeon Answers: (3)

1. Dr. Jacobs responded:

   Hagop   

   Correction of nasal airway obstruction due to a deviated septum is usually covered — at least to some extent — by insurance.  That being said, each insurance company has its own criteria for what will be covered.  For example, some insurance companies will not, unfortunately, accept a physician's word that the patient has a deviated septum.  They will require corroborative tests such as a CT scan to document the deviation.  They may require additional tests to measure differences in airflow.  And they may even demand that the patient have been on various nasal medications for months — without improvement — before they will approve the operation.

   Also, be aware that for the most part, correction of a deviated septum does not improve the external appearance of the nose — which is considered cosmetic surgery.  If you wish to improve your appearance as well, you may have to pay for this portion of the operation yourself.  Oftentimes, once can combine the two procedures (septum and cosmetic) in one operation.

   Bottom line:  it would behoove you to check on your insurance company criteria for deviated septum repair — and then make sure you fulfil those same criteria.

   Good luck!!

   Elliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACS

   New York City

   Posted on January 19th, 2010

2. Dr. Rosenblatt responded:

   Be examined and speak to your doctor. No one knows what y our insurance will cover.
    

   Posted on January 21st, 2010

3. Betathome.pl responded:

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   Posted on December 14th, 2010

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