Is minimally invasive bunion surgery covered by insurance?
Minimally invasive bunion surgery or percutaneous bunionectomy, in medical terms, is a minor surgical procedure done by making small incisions. These small incisions help to treat the deformative bunion without causing much pain to the patient. The newer technology has made the whole procedure quicker than ever.
Wondering if Insurance covers minimally invasive bunion surgery? We have answered your queries in the article below.
Is minimally invasive bunion surgery covered by insurance?
We shall now answer if it is covered by Insurance or not:
Most bunion procedures are not considered cosmetic surgery but a necessity. So, Insurance will likely cover some or all of the cost. A bunion that hurts or affects how you walk is regarded as medically necessary. Insurance may not pay for the surgery if it is little and painless. Your Insurance and plan will impact how much your bunion surgery will cost.
Check out the privileges and what does it take to get yourself insured:
| S. No. | Privileges And Coverage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Foot care coverage under Medicare and Medicaid | Medicare and Medicaid typically cover foot care, including bunion surgery, as a significant percentage of adults over 65 have bunions. Most insurance plans will pay for the surgery if there is documentation of pain or discomfort from a doctor, provided it is medically necessary. |
| 2. | Additional costs and payment options | Additional costs of minimally invasive bunion surgery can be managed through Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), or Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA). These accounts can help cover expenses beyond what insurance may provide. |
| 3. | When does Insurance cover this? | Minimally invasive bunion surgery may be considered necessary when patients experience severe pain in the big toe joint, discomfort while changing footwear, or noticeable shifting of the big toe towards the second toe or overlapping of other toes. In short, when you are experiencing excruciating pain, and the doctors advise surgery, the Insurance will then cover it. |
How Do I Prepare For The Surgery?
Follow these steps before your surgery day so that the procedure becomes smooth and recovery gets fast:
- List down your medications
Inform your doctor regarding each prescription and non-prescription drug, vitamin, and dietary supplement you use. If any of these need to be stopped before bunion surgery or if they could interact with any painkillers provided for infection or pain after surgery, your surgeon will let you know.
- Say not alcohol
Before surgery, it is advisable to refrain from alcohol for at least 48 hours. Alcohol can thin the blood in your body, causing more bleeding and bruising and delaying the healing process.
- Comfortable clothing
Make sure you are dressed in comfy clothing that is easy to take off on the day of your bunion surgery. Although it’s unlikely that you’ll be required to take anything off for the surgery, you might find it challenging to pull clothes over your foot once you get home. Additionally, consider dressing comfortably in layers because some patients experience chills or hot flashes after bunion surgery. Make use of wide-legged pants, preferably.
- Ask for help
You can ask for help from your friends and family on the day of surgery. You will also require assistance at home for the first few days after surgery. Ask friends and relatives to visit or stay for the first week so they can help in your recovery process.
Conclusion
Yes, this surgery is covered by Insurance. Talk to the insurance company and healthcare provider about your needs and wants. Remember, you are not restricted to having choices. So, research the best kind of care you deserve.
We hope this article, “Is minimally invasive bunion surgery covered by insurance?” answers all your questions regarding it and its coverage by health insurance plans. Do not forget to check our website for more such informational content on health insurance.
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