Lipoma is a harmless lump of fatty tissue that generally grows beneath the skin and can be removed by having minor surgery. If you are wondering how to get lipoma removal covered by insurance, we got your back. In this article, we will be addressing the same.
How to get lipoma removal covered by insurance?
Lipoma removal may or may not be covered by health insurance. In fact, many states and countries do not allow the same, as lipoma removal is considered to be a cosmetic surgery, not a medical surgery. In such cases, only some rare cases where lipoma is a health hazard would be covered by insurance. Lipoma removal procedures can cost up to $2000-7000 on average. Thus, it is important to look for policies that cover lipoma removal. Check out the criteria required by insurances companies to cover lipoma in the table below:
| S. No. | Criteria |
| 1. | If lipoma grows more than the size of 5 cm. |
| 2. | Onset of sudden severe pain in lipoma |
| 3. | If lipoma starts to grow rapidly over weeks |
| 4. | If lipoma feels hard and doesn’t move when touched upon |
| 5. | Presence of blood cells in lipoma leading to angiolipoma |
Lipoma: Symptoms
Lipoma is a fatty tissue lump that usually lies between the skin and an underlying muscle. Lipomas are generally harmless but should be examined by a doctor to avoid any complications. There aren’t any major symptoms of lipoma, but you will notice that these fatty tissue lumps feel doughy and rubbery upon touching. Although lipomas can form anywhere on the body, they are most likely to form on the arms, neck, torso, and shoulders. According to a scientific report, women are most likely to develop lipomas.
Lipoma: Diagnosis
Certain tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, and tomography scans would be performed, along with examining the patient’s medical history to diagnose lipoma. In some rare cases, biopsies can be required to check the possibility of liposarcoma further. Liposarcoma is rare cancer that grows quickly and is quite painful to touch.
Lipoma: Treatment
Since lipoma isn’t painful and doesn’t cause further issues, surgical procedures are not required. However, if it starts to get painful, it becomes necessary to treat it. Lipomas are generally removed by minor surgery, which removes them from the body by giving anesthesia. This surgical procedure can cause scarring and bruising. Another way to get rid of lipoma is through liposuction. Liposuction involves the use of a needle and a large syringe to remove the fatty tissue lump.
If you are eligible, lipoma removal can be covered by Medicare under part B. Medicare is a national health insurance program for people who are 65 and older, people with disabilities, and people with end-stage Renal disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is lipoma not covered by insurance?
There are chances of lipoma not being covered by insurance as lipoma removal is considered a cosmetic surgery and not a medical surgery. You are required to read the terms and conditions of the health insurance carefully.
2. Is lipoma removal considered surgery?
Lipoma removal is a cosmetic surgery that isn’t complicated and usually requires 20-45 minutes to complete. Patients are given local anesthesia to numb the pain.
3. Can lipoma grow again after surgery?
Lipomas do not grow again after surgery has been done. However, a person might develop it in other parts of the body.
4. Does lipoma removal require hospitalization?
Since lipoma removal is a minor surgery, patients are allowed to get discharged on the same day of the procedure. However, you might have to stay at the hospital for a night or so if you have a comparatively larger lipoma to be removed.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped our readers understand how to get lipoma removal covered by insurance. Stay connected for more health insurance-related content!
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