Reconstructive rhinoplasty is a surgical nose repair to correct breathing or other functionality. Individuals may undergo this procedure after a nose injury or after having a previous nose surgery that left functionality in a less-than-desired state. In some cases, congenital disorders may be a reason to seek reconstructive rhinoplasty. Depending on the reasons for the surgery, the cost for a reconstructive rhinoplasty may be at least partially covered by an individual’s medical insurance policy.
This article highlights some of the average costs associated with reconstructive rhinoplasty, in addition to how much of the costs will be covered by insurance and how you can find a qualified surgeon to perform your rhinoplasty.
Average Reconstructive Rhinoplasty Costs
In 2017, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons compiled statistics on the average cost of rhinoplasty. At that time, the average cost for the procedure in the United States was $5,125; however, this price didn’t include many of the costs associated with the surgery. For instance, it included the cost for the surgeon and his staff, but not for the anesthesiologist, the operating facility (the hospital or outpatient center) and other ancillary costs.
The final total can be $10,000 or more with a variety of factors impacting the cost, such as:
- Where you opt to have the surgery
- How complex the surgery is
- What ancillary items are included (surgical and post-surgical garments, medications, medical tests, etc.)
Why Cost Should Never Be the “Deciding Factor”
When considering surgery, you should never be searching for the lowest possible cost. “Bargain basement” deals aren’t likely and if you do find them they are likely too good to be true. Out-of-pocket cost is obviously an important concern that you’ll want to work out with your surgeon and his or her staff. By doing so, you’ll be able to find ways to minimize cost where possible. Simply choosing the lowest-cost provider doesn’t always lead to the best results.
In addition to reconstructive rhinoplasty cost, other factors to consider when choosing a surgeon include:
- How experienced they are with the specific type of rhinoplasty you need
- Whether or not they are officially accredited
- Their success rate with patients who had a reconstructive rhinoplasty
- How comfortable you feel with them — it’s always best to work with a medical provider you trust
- If they provide useful explanations of the plan of action and follow-up process
- Whether his or her office is willing to work with you on insurance billing requirements and payment arrangements
- Which hospital the surgeon is affiliated with — choose a surgeon who has access to his or her own facilities or who is affiliated with facilities you know and trust
It’s important to consider all these factors when weighing the cost of reconstructive rhinoplasty with a particular surgeon. If you’re looking for a surgeon in New Jersey, the providers at Cohen Winters are fully credentialed and experienced in rhinoplasty.
Will Insurance Pay for Reconstructive Rhinoplasty?
Since reconstructive rhinoplasty is plastic surgery, many people automatically assume their health insurance won’t cover it. This may not be true if the procedure is deemed medically necessary.
Typically, medical necessity requires that the surgery provides a needed improvement to breathing function. For example, if a previous injury or surgery left you with an obstructed airway, breathing problems or other associated health issues, then your surgeon may be able to make a case for a medically necessary reconstructive rhinoplasty.
Sometimes reconstruction is performed alongside cosmetic surgery — for instance, you may want to change the size or shape of your nose at the same time you are having a functional problem corrected. In this case, the cosmetic part of the surgery will not be covered, but the reconstructive portion will be.
You can’t assume insurance will pay for the surgery, even if both you and your surgeon think it’s medically necessary. In most cases, the surgeon’s office will need to submit specific documentation to your insurance company to have the procedure authorized. Once it is authorized, the surgery can proceed as authorized and the provider can bill the insurance company.
Attaining pre-authorization and coverage by insurance doesn’t mean all the costs of your reconstructive rhinoplasty are paid for by the insurance company. You may still need to cover copays or deductibles, but your provider can often give you a good estimate of those costs prior to the procedure.
Finding a Reconstructive Rhinoplasty Surgeon in New Jersey
The surgeons at Cohen Winters work closely with each patient to discuss his or her individual desires and goals for the procedure. We provide personalized, informative consultations to educate our patients about all of their options. This ensures that each patient invests in a rhinoplasty procedure that best fits his or her needs.
Our support staff is equally experienced in coordinating insurance authorization and solving billing issues. In addition to your consultation with one of our surgeons, you will also meet with our support team to make sure you understand all the factors contributing to your reconstructive rhinoplasty cost.
Cohen Winters serves patients throughout New Jersey and has a long history of successful rhinoplasties with patients in diverse situations. Whether you’re looking to overcome challenges left by a previous surgery or you want to make sure your first rhinoplasty is successful, Cohen Winters is here to help.
