Deviated septum

A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum, which is the cartilage and bone dividing the nasal cavity, is displaced off center or crooked; insurance companies, including UnitedHealthcare and Aetna, generally classify a deviated septum as a medical condition if it causes obstruction or recurrent sinusitis; insurers often require clinical documentation of symptoms such as chronic congestion, nosebleeds, or breathing difficulty to consider coverage for treatment; plans from Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield typically deny septoplasty claims that are submitted purely for cosmetic reasons without evidence of medical necessity; most policies mandate preauthorization before approving surgical correction for a deviated septum; Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) usually cover only in-network procedures unless otherwise authorized; insurers frequently request proof of failed conservative treatments like nasal steroids or antihistamines before approving surgery; Medicare covers septoplasty if the patient’s physician documents functional impairment due to the deviation; costs for out-of-pocket septoplasty average $3,500–$11,000 depending on region, provider, and policy details; most health insurance plans exclude coverage for rhinoplasty performed concurrently with septoplasty unless there is clear evidence it addresses functional nasal airway issues.