Upper Blepharoplasty

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was wanting to know if you procedures for the upper eyelids (upper blepharoplasty) would qualify for insurance coverage. My insurance company said it should since it’s affecting my vision. I just wondered if you accept that. Just for the upper of course. Thank you for your time.

A: Whether insurance would pay for an upper blepharoplasty can not be determined by the patient asking them. It requires a complete written predetermination process submitted by the surgeon which must include visual field testing by an opthalmologist/optometrist that clearly shows visual field impairment as well as pictures that show sufficient hooding of upper eyelid skin. As a general rule it is very difficult for patients under age 65 to qualify today for what was once a common insurance coverage procedure. Only the insurance company can actually tell you based on the submitted information whether they would cover it or not. Talking to your insurance agent or the benefits office does not constitute an approval or whether it will actually be covered. They always say it will be covered ‘if there is a medical reason for the surgery’ when the patient calls and asks. But only the predetermination department of the insurance company can answer that question based on submitted information.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana