Will Insurance Cover My Tummy Tuck?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have had lumbar spondylolisthesis from birth. I had gastric bypass to help with weight on my lower back. I didn’t lose the 100lbs requested to get tummy tuck but the lumbar pain is still horrible every day and night. Can insurance cover a tummy tuck as medically necessary ?

A: The only way to know whether insurance will cover any plastic surgery procedure is to send in a pre-determination letter with photos and wait to receive a written response. The size of your abdominal overhang must meet very specific physical criteria and documented medical symptoms to qualify for medical coverage. As a general rule, I would not be optimistic. Most insurances turn down every request for any form of an abdominoplasty no matter how big it is or what symptoms that it is associated with it.. Send me some pictures of your abdominal area and I’ll tell you what I think your chances are based on my experience.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana