What are cheek implant removal codes?
Asked 2014-01-15
I developed an infection under my cheek implant . My cosmetic surgeon removed them so healing could occur. My surgeon does not know the codes to file with my insurance for removal of cheek implant do to infection. They don't usually deal with insurance so could you help with the ICD9 and CPT codes? My insurance will cover the cost, because it is a medical reason for the removal. Thank You.
1 answer
Procedure(s)
Marilyn,
Complications from cosmetic or aesthetic surgery are rarely covered by almost all insurance carriers. That is why there are special insurance carriers like CosmeticProtect/ CosmetAssure that provide supplemental insurance policies to cover adverse events from such surgery's. These special carriers often request the surgeon to require all their cosmetic patients to be covered. Personally, since I cannot predicate the future I think it is a great idea and all our aesthetic patients are required to purchase supplemental insurance policy's to cover possible complications from cosmetic surgery.
I am aghast that you surgeon & his staff will not provide you with these simple ICD-9 codes. The codes you desire are 996.59: Complication of nonabsorbable surgical material/ implant & 998.3: Postoperative Wound Infection. The CPT Code is what procedure(s) your surgeon actually performed. This can be determined by obtaining copies of your operative reports. Please do not be surprised when your insurance carrier does not cover your expenses for this complication.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS