Rhino/Septoplasty and Insurance

[Unregistered]

I'm in need of some nasal surgery, specifically septoplasty and
reduction/removal of middle turbinates, since I have chronic allergies and
mild sleep apnea (which is exacerbated since I have to breathe through my
mouth when I sleep because of nasal congestion).

I've heard that if a person is going to have structural nasal surgery,
it's the best time to also have cosmetic nasal surgery, and that many surgeons
perform both.

There's an ENT in the medical group I use who is also board certified in plastic surgery, but I don't know his reputation as a plastic surgeon. What resources are available to determine how good/how highly rated/how well recommended he is?

Given the need to alleviate breathing problems, is it better to use an ENT? Or would someone speciallizing in plastic surgery be just as good? And if I want to have cosmetic improvement done simultaneously, is it better to go with someone whose primary practice is in plastic surgery?

Also, how much, if any, insurance would pick up if part of the surgery is medically indicated, i.e., to improve breathing/sleep?

[danya]

If do have problems breathing through your nose and are considering also having some cosmetic changes to improve the appearance of your nose, it is wise to consider doing both at the same time. This will save on both recovery time, and some costs, assuming that you have insurance coverage and that your breathing is obstructed enough to warrant reimbursement.
Of course, this is very subjective and your doctor will need to perform some tests and submit the results to your insurance company to obtain pre-authorization before you have the surgery.
Your health insurance may pay for part of the costs of the reconstructive portion of the nose surgery, but they wont pay for anything cosmetic. The amount that they pay is determined by your policy and varies, so you'll need to check with your insurance carrier for specifics.
An ENT facial plastic surgeon or a general plastic surgeon with alot of experience in rhinoplasty are both good choices. Their diploma is not as important as their level of experience and expertise in rhinoplasty, both cosmetic and functional (to improve breathing function). For more about this, read Choosing A Surgeon (http://www.beautysurg.com/learn/general_choose.html)
Good luck! Let me know if you need more help.
Danya

[Unregistered]

Thanks Danya!

If anyone knows of or can recommend a specialist in Rhinoplasty in the San Francisco/Palo Alto area, please post.