A New Wrinkle In Battle:Discrimination Against Wrinkles

August 10, 2001

I was referred to a Plastic Surgeon by my Bariatric Surgeon because

he thought I had so much redundant skin that I needed a more

extensive procedure than he does. I went to the PS on Wednesday 8/8

and I was impressed by him as a surgeon. However, they all seemed to

be in a hurry so his office manager (OM) said she would have to talk

to me later about the arrangements. We finally connected the next

day, Thursday. I was very disappointed in the outcome. The OM said

that she believed this was " purely cosmetic " and that SHE would not

consider submitting any claims to my insurance. I tied to explain

that this was " reconstructive " according to the American Society of

Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), but she was adamant and insulting about how

this was " cosmetic " as far as she was concerned, no matter what

anybody else said, and she wouldn't feel right about submitting

anything. I am a hospital investigator for the government--I would

never make such broad sweeping medical statements as a non-MD. She

apparently feels that she has the right and duty to " police " everyone

else. The ASPS criteria call it " reconstructive " once you have lost

more than 100 pounds, have hernias, have dermititus and lower back

pain. I meet all these, but the OM seems to be on a crusade to

protect the insurance companies. I actually have two coverages and

together, they provide a great deal more reimbursement for the

surgeon than any single coverage.

I have contacted my BS and I am going to have him do the procedure he

does, even though this won't be optimal according to him. His office

will work with me on the insurance. I want to have some normality,

not be Mr. America. I need my hernia fixed, and the OM couldn't or

wouldn't give a straight answer about those either.

This seems to me to be some new face of discrimination against the

obese--forcing us to settle for less.

Rick S.

A Dejected Nortalian Stallion

Recommended Posts