Kaiser Plastics anyone?

Hi everyone.. I was just wondering if anyone has been able to get plastics covered through Kaiser?  I have lost enough to get me down to a comfortable 16, but if I could get my panni and my legs done, I'd probably be down to a 12/14 easily.  I don't know what their requirements are, and my WLS doctor is trying to tell me that my hips shouldn't be hurting from the extra "hanging" there.. I think she's full of it! My hips hurt all the time and I can't afford plastics on my own.

Thanks everyone!

I'm not 100% but from what I was told in my options class KP only covers the panni removal and only if it hangs over the pubic area and that are multiple documented rashes and skin irritation. I asked about what "documented" exactly meant and I was told that you must go to your primary doc and have them see the rashes, treat them and document them in your medical record. I hope this helps and you should also call your local preventative medicine location or where you took options and speak to someone there. Also take pictures of your skin irritations if you get them to go along with your docs notes.

I'm going to make an appt with my primary to talk to her about my hips hurting all of the time, but so far I don't have a problem with rashes.  I had my surgery through Fremont, and we didn't have to take any of those classes.. so it's good to get info from those who did.  I appreciate the input

Here is what I know and have experienced - First I had my surgery from Richmond and had to go through several classes. Aside from that I am the benefits admin. at my company so I work closely with Kaiser and know their drills. They only cover the panni IF AND ONLY IF it is listed on your coverage contract with them. That being said usually only their lower co-pay plans (20 dollars a visit and under) actually have any of this coverage in it. Also, having said that its almost almost impossible to get it covered even if you do have that clause in the contract. I spoke to my contact over there before I had the surgery and its in my contract and I was told that it really didn't matter that I would have to fight and argue and practically kill to get it covered. So its rather not likely to be covered. I do know someone who had serious and I mean serious serious issues - their panni was hanging below her knees and causing all kinds of internal issues etc. and they wouldn't cover her surgery. I was amazed that she could get turned down when she had several doctors on her side writing letters to the benefits board on her behalf stating it was medically necessary they still denied her flat out.

On the hip thing - I know a little bit about what you are talking about and my panni really isn't hanging off of me. Its the only thing not hanging off of me but I still have TREMENDOUS pains in my hips. I'm talking the kind of pain where you can't stand, sit, lay, walk nothing and you literally cannot sleep. It really is horrible pain. I went to my PCP who sent me to physical therapy. It has made a huge difference. I was told it wasn't from hanging skin but rather from all of the changes our bodies are going through as we loose such drastic amounts of weight. Everything shifts and changes and our hips bare the brunt of some of it. I would suggest asking if physical therapy would help. I know it has for me!

Best of luck!

Hi,
    I had an easy time getting refferal for a panni surgery pcp reffered me. Saw ps she wanted weight stable for a year I had to wait as I had a gain but after I got that under control got the surgery. Great work no belly button now but ps said there was no blood flow or something like that so no biggie. later I had the pointy ends trimmed. I am a Kaiser patient southern Ca
Lisa B