How to Obtain Insurance Coverage for Lipoma Removal

When seeking therapy for lipomas, you may be unsure whether or not the treatment is covered by insurance.

We’ve all heard that cosmetic operations are rarely covered by health insurance because they aren’t medically required. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Fortunately, one of them is lipoma treatment.

Lipoma removal surgery is covered by health insurance coverage, despite the fact that lipomas are usually harmless and most people get them removed for cosmetic reasons. Because lipoma is a symptomatic disorder, all of this is feasible.

As a result, you may rest easy knowing that if you have a lipoma or several lipomas, your health insurance will cover proper treatment at the best medical institutes.

Services That Are Covered Under Insurance for Lipoma Removal 

Just so you know, an insurance plan from one company will be different from the other. This is why simply assuming that the lipoma removal procedure will be covered under the insurance will be wrong. The coverage might even vary depending on the plan you have.

Therefore, it is advised that you talk to your insurance provider and clear all your doubts before going to a hospital or clinic for lipoma treatment. 

Here is a breakdown of the services that will be covered under all standard health insurance policies:

  • Hospitalization Expenses- This benefit covers the costs of being in the hospital for more than 24 hours, such as room rent, doctor’s fees, diagnostic tests, pharmaceutical costs, and so on.
  • Pre and Post-Hospitalization Expenses– This benefit covers expenses that occur both before and after hospitalisation, such as initial consultations, post-surgery follow-ups, and so on.
  • ICU Charges- In case you didn’t know, if you have to have surgery to address an illness like a lipoma, the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) charges are also covered. Fortunately, the ICU costs are covered by the insurance policy.
  • Ambulance Cost- Though lipoma removal isn’t done in an emergency, if you need emergency medical care, the expense of an ambulance will be incurred.
  • Cashless Treatment- The main advantage of having insurance is that you don’t have to worry about putting money aside to cover hospital costs. What’s more, if you’re admitted to one of the insurance company’s network hospitals, you’ll earn further discounts for the entire treatment.
  • Day Care Procedures- This coverage allows the patient to pay for treatments that do not require a 24-hour hospital stay.
  • Pre-Existing Diseases- This is a benefit that not all policies will likely provide. If you’re going to buy a new policy, be sure you get enough coverage for your pre-existing problems. As a general rule, you must wait until the waiting period is over before filing a claim against the treatment.
  • AYUSH Treatment- This benefit allows the patient to cover the cost of treatment through insurance if they are getting treated by the AYUSH School of Medicines. It includes ayurvedic treatment, Unani, homeopathy, Siddha, & yogic treatment.
  • Medical Check-ups- Under this benefit, you will also get free preventive health check-ups at regular intervals.

By choosing the best policy for health insurance, you will be able to get maximum benefits as well. 

Your lipoma treatment will be covered under insurance under all circumstances. So, whether you have a lipoma or multiple lipomas, you can get treatment at the best hospitals and clinics without worrying about the cost. 

How To Get Lipoma Removal Covered By Insurance?

If you have a lipoma, you may be wondering if it is covered by insurance or not. Unfortunately, lipoma removal is not typically covered by insurance companies.

However, there are ways that you can get the procedure covered. In this article, we will discuss how to get lipoma removal covered by insurance and what your options are.

As we mentioned earlier, the lipoma removal procedure is not typically covered by insurance companies. However, there are a few ways that you can get the procedure covered.

  • Ask your insurance company for a pre-authorization.
  • Check to see if your lipoma is a cosmetic issue
  • Have the procedure done at a teaching hospital
  • Ask your insurance company for a waiver
  • Submit a claim to your insurance company

Requesting a pre-authorization from your insurance company is the best way to ensure that the lipoma removal is covered. Typically, insurance companies will only cover a procedure if it is pre-authorized.

If your lipoma is considered a cosmetic reason, your insurance company may not cover the procedure. However, this can vary from company to company.

What Is Lipoma And What Are The Symptoms?

A lipoma is a benign tumor that is made up of fatty tissue. It is usually located just below the skin and feels like a soft, rubbery lump or soft tissue tumor. Lipomas are typically small, but they can grow larger over time. Some common symptoms of lipomas include:

  • A soft, rubbery lump just below the skin
  • No pain or discomfort
  • Slow growth over time

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. Lipomas are not typically harmful, but they can sometimes cause problems if they grow too large.

How Do You Know If You Have Lipoma?

If you are wondering if you have a lipoma, there are a few things to look for. Lipomas are typically small and soft, so they are easy to miss. Here are some tips for spotting a lipoma:

  • Look for a soft, rubbery lump just below the skin.
  • Check for lumps near the joints, as lipomas often form in these areas.
  • See a doctor if you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as pain or discomfort.

How Much Does Lipoma Removal Surgery Cost?

The price of lipoma surgery varies based on the size and location of the tumor. The operation will cost between $500 and $3000 in most cases. The cost of surgery will be reduced if you get it done at a teaching hospital.

If the lipoma removal is not covered, another alternative is to request a waiver from your insurance carrier. You can submit a claim with your insurance carrier if everything else fails. Lipoma removal surgery usually has a quick recovery time.

Within a few days, most people are able to resume their routine activities. However, it is critical to carefully follow the doctor’s directions. If the lipoma is evident, you may need to take a few weeks off work.

How much do I have to pay for lipoma treatment with or without insurance?

Lipoma removal surgery costs on average range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 40,000, depending on a variety of circumstances. These considerations include the number, size, and location of the lipomas, the surgeon’s charge, the treatment approach employed, dangers, drugs, and so on.

You won’t have to worry about any costs associated with lipoma therapy if you have insurance. In the event that you do not have insurance, Pristine Care will assist you. We provide a No Cost EMI service that allows patients to receive treatment and pay for it in convenient installments later.

For patients who do have coverage that covers the expense of lipoma excision, we help make the insurance claim procedure easier. Our medical coordinators take care of the paperwork and claims procedure by working with the insurance companies.

Pristine Care is also trying its best to make daycare procedures like lipoma treatment more affordable for the patient by offering free services like deluxe room for the hospital stay, discounts on diagnostic tests, free cab service, post-surgery care, and free follow-ups as well. 

Lipomas are fatty lumps that develop slowly in the area between the underlying muscle layer and the skin. In most cases, lipomas are benign, but their size and location may lead to discomfort and pain, which at times may be severe. In these circumstances, many individuals opt for lipoma removal and may wonder if Medicare covers the procedure. 

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

When lipoma removal procedures are approved for coverage by Medicare, the surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and Medicare Part B covers outpatient services.

However, because lipomas are usually not considered harmful to an individual’s overall health, obtaining Medicare coverage for lipoma removal procedures can be a bit challenging. 

For lipoma removal surgery to be covered by Medicare, a physician must determine that the lipoma is a threat to the person’s health and well-being or that it requires removal to treat a disease, making the procedure medically necessary.

When a lipoma is removed during a recipient’s hospital stay or time in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare Part A would be responsible for coverage if the procedure is deemed a medical necessity. 

Individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans may be eligible for additional coverage pertaining to lipoma removal procedures. To determine the scope of coverage, recipients should contact their plan providers. 

Is Medication Coverage for Lipoma Removal Provided by Medicare?

Following lipoma removal procedures, medications may be prescribed to reduce pain and promote healing. If the lipoma is removed during an outpatient procedure, Medicare Part D may help cover the costs of prescribed medication. Recipients should verify coverage with Medicare to learn more about coverage options. 

Does Medicare Provide Coverage for Diagnostic Testing for Lipomas?

Medicare recipients may be able to obtain coverage for lipoma diagnostic testing procedures through Medicare Part B. While most lipomas are considered harmless, liposarcomas are fatty growths beneath the skin that are both cancerous and fast-growing.

These growths may slightly resemble lipomas, but they don’t move easily beneath the skin and can be tender and painful.

If a physician is concerned about the possibility of liposarcoma, they may order diagnostic imaging tests and biopsies to rule out or diagnose the disease.

In these cases, the diagnostic tests may be covered through Medicare Part B. These tests can be covered even if the recipient doesn’t qualify for lipoma removal.

What Is the Lipoma Removal Procedure?

Lipoma removal is usually performed on an outpatient basis; however, there may be circumstances where the lipoma is unusually large in size or located in a difficult-to-reach spot in the body. When the latter is the case, surgery may be performed under anesthesia in an operating room. 

During the procedure, a physician creates an incision in the area of the skin where the lipoma is located. The lipoma is removed, and the incision is closed with sutures. It’s important to contact your physician if you experience any of the following:

What Type of Physician Removes Lipomas?

Many types of doctors have experience with lipoma removal. However, dermatologists and plastic surgeons tend to be highly knowledgeable in lipoma diagnostics and removal procedures. 

Are There Nonsurgical Options to Remove Lipomas?

Injection lipolysis is a common body contouring treatment to help dissolve fat for a slimmer appearance. During the procedure, a solution of phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate is injected into the affected areas, and the chemicals work to dissolve fat cells beneath the skin.

While this procedure is considered cosmetic, studies have shown this treatment may be effective when performed by a professional licensed physician. 

What Do Lipomas Consist Of?

Lipomas consist mostly of fat cells, but some types of lipomas may also contain blood vessels and body tissues. Lipoma are categorized as follows:

  • Pleomorphic: This type of lipoma consists of fat cells.
  • Myelolipoma: This type of lipoma contains a combination of fat cells and blood cell-producing body tissues.
  • Fibrolipoma: Fibrolipomas contain fibrous tissues and fat cells.
  • Hibernoma: Hibernoma lipomas contain brown fat cells. 
  • Angiolipoma: An angiolipoma may cause pain, and it consists of blood vessels and fat cells. 
  • Conventional: Conventional lipomas are the most commonly diagnosed lipomas. They rarely cause pain and contain white fat cells. 

What Are The Risks Of Not Getting A Lipoma Removed?

While lipomas are not typically harmful, they can sometimes cause problems if they grow too large. If the lipoma is pressing on tissues or organs, it can cause pain or discomfort. In some cases, lipomas can also become infected.

If you are experiencing any symptoms related to your lipoma, it is important to see a doctor. Lipoma removal is not typically a covered procedure by insurance companies,

but there are ways that you can get it covered.

Request a pre-authorization from your insurance company, and see if your lipoma is considered a cosmetic issue. Get the procedure done at a teaching hospital to reduce the cost.

If all else fails, file a claim with your insurance company. Keep in mind that lipoma removal is a safe and relatively simple procedure, so the risks of not getting it removed are minimal.

Different Insurance Policies You Can Get For Lipoma Treatment

There are an estimated 69,000 public and private sector medical centers in India, most of which are partnered with different insurance providers.

So, when you purchase a health insurance policy from a reputed and reliable insurance provider, you will get additional benefits at the respective network hospitals of the insurance companies. 

Here are some plans that you can buy that will cover all kinds of treatment including lipomas to a full extent:

Insurance Company Health Insurance PlanSum Insured (In Rs. )Incurred Claim Ratio Network Hospitals 
Aditya Birla Health Insurance Active Assure Diamond Plan 2 lakh to 2 crore 59%8200+
Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance Health-Guard Plan 1.5 lakh to 50 lakh 85%6500+
Bharti AXA Health Insurance Smart Health Insurance 3 lakh to 5 lakh 89%4300+
Care Health Insurance (Formerly Religare)Care Health Care Plan 4 lakh to 6 crore 55%7400+
Max Bupa Health Insurance Companion Individual Health Plan3 lakh to 1 crore54%4115+
ManipalCigna Health Insurance ProHealth Plan 2.5 lakh to 1 crore 62%6500+
National Health Insurance National Parivar Mediclaim PlusUp to 50 lakh 107.64%6000+
New India Assurance Health Insurance New India Assurance Senior Citizen Medi claim Policy1 lakh to 15 lakh 103.74%3000+
Oriental Health Insurance Individual Mediclaim Health Plan 1 lakh to 10 lakh 108.8%4300+
Star Health Insurance Family Health Optima Insurance Plan 1 lakh to 25 lakh63%10,200+
United India Health Insurance United India UNI Criticare Health Plan 1 lakh to 10 lakh110.95%7000+

The Bottom Line 

According to Wikipedia, more than 80% of Indians do not have any kind of health insurance plan. It means that more than 500 million people do not receive the benefits from health coverage. 

This is something that we need to change ourselves. The health insurance policies are designed as such that they will make advanced medical treatments, like lipoma excision surgery easily affordable for us. 

If you have a lipoma and need to get rid of it, visit the nearest Pristyn Care clinic and consult with the best plastic surgeon in your city. 

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