Timing of Pediatric Breast Reduction and Insurance Coverage: Single-institution Retrospective Study.
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Although long-term benefits of reduction mammaplasty have been proven, the appropriate age for adolescent reduction mammaplasty has been highly debated due to possible need for revision surgery. Practitioners often delay offering breast reduction to adolescents below age 18 based on presumed insurance denial. We reviewed trends in insurance denial at a single children's hospital to analyze whether age and/or insurance carriers have a significant impact on coverage of breast reduction. Methods: A retrospective chart review from 2012 to 2022 of cisgender female patients with macromastia aged 12-20 years at the time of diagnosis was analyzed for differences in breast reduction insurance coverage based on age and body mass index at the time of diagnosis, referral to plastic surgery, and surgery. Results: = 0.403). Conclusion: Although insurance varies with carrier, the present findings suggest that surgeons need not delay in facilitating preauthorization for breast reduction in symptomatic patients presenting anytime during their teenage years.
Source: PubMed
Authors: Ariel E Figueroa, Alice Yau, Marina A Lentskevich, Kareem Termanini, Arun K Gosain
Institution: Lurie Children's Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4402466522