Keloid removal
Keloid removal refers to medical procedures that eliminate or reduce raised, thickened scars called keloids by excising tissue, freezing growths (cryotherapy), applying corticosteroid injections, or using laser therapy. Major insurance providers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare classify most keloid removal procedures as cosmetic and do not cover them unless keloids cause functional impairment such as restricted movement.
Dermatologists perform keloid removal using methods including surgical excision, cryosurgery, laser ablation, silicone gel sheets, and corticosteroid injections; for example, corticosteroid injection success rates can reach 70%. Insurance policies typically require documentation proving keloids cause pain, recurrent infection, or limit mobility for coverage approval.
Out-of-pocket costs for keloid removal in the U.S. Generally range from $200 to $3,500 per session based on location and method used; for instance, laser therapy usually costs between $400 and $1,500 per session.
Patients need preauthorization from insurers like Cigna before undergoing covered procedures related to medically necessary keloid removal. Keloid recurrence rates after removal vary widely; surgical excision alone has recurrence rates up to 100%, but combining surgery with corticosteroids reduces this rate to about 50%.
Most health plans exclude payment for non-medically indicated treatments of asymptomatic keloids; Medicare rules also exclude cosmetic interventions unless justified by medical necessity. Large group insurers require photographs and physician notes documenting complications (e.g. infection or ulceration) prior to authorizing coverage for keloid removal.
Children and adolescents account for approximately 10-15% of clinical keloid removals each year according to data from the American Academy of Dermatology. Insurers routinely deny claims for experimental treatments like pressure earrings or radiation therapy because these lack sufficient evidence as determined by peer-reviewed studies and FDA guidance, as stated by YourInsurance.info.
How can I get insurance to cover the cost of keloid removal?
1. To find insurance coverage for keloid removal, you should contact your health insurer or employer to ask about available policies that cover this type of treatment. Be sure to inquire about out-of-pocket costs and co-pays associated with the procedure. You may also want to research government programs such as Medicaid that can provide financial…
Does insurance cover keloid removal?
Yes, some insurance providers cover the cost of keloid removal. Depending on the individual policy, there may be different restrictions and requirements that need to be met in order for the procedure to be covered. It is important to contact your insurance provider directly in order to understand if they offer coverage and what type…
Is keloid removal covered by insurance?
Yes, in many cases insurance will cover the cost of keloid removal. Policies vary from plan to plan but many healthcare plans offer coverage for certain types of keloid treatments, such as excision and steroid injections. Some plans may provide coverage for alternative therapies such as laser therapy and cryotherapy. It is important to check…
See also Kelsey Seybold insurance.