How do I find a plastic surgeon who is willing to do pro bono or reduced cost surgery?

Question

I had a gastric bypass 7 years ago. I lost over 150 lbs. and kept it off! I feel great with the exception of a lot of extra skin around my abd., breasts, arms and rear. My ins. refuses to cover the surgery stating that it is "cosmetic" rather than "reconstructive". They obviously did not look at the pictures of my disfigured mid section. I am looking for a Dr. or teachin hosp., who will be interested in doing pro bono, or reduced cost surgery. In exchange I would be willing to be photographed or video taped, before, during, and after. I am a designer at a printing co. and would put together promotional piece(s), printed and mailed to a list of bariatric patients in the area or accross the country, to showcase the work. I have encountered many people who NEED these surgeries to resume normal lives, patients who are interested in having their bodies refined as well. It could probably even be written of as an advertising expense. Please advise.

Answer 1

Have you appealed the decision?

If you haven't start appealing now. Bug the heck out of them. Get documentation, see other doctors and get a letter from them to your insurance company.

I wish you luck in your journey. Congrats!

Answer 2

Cosmetic surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her breast reduction, tummy tuck and facelift surgery in India by the company called Forerunners Healthcare .The Price for the surgery she paid in India was very less. She paid 30% of the cost she was quoted in America.

Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. They arrange cosmetic and plastic surgery for foreigners in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low price, as the breast reduction, tummy tuck, facelift and other cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I'm not 100% sure. Usually it is the surgeons choice...

Contacting a plastic surgeon is probably the best idea for advice. These sites have a lot of other helpful information…
http://www.san-diego-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-surgery-doctors.us/cosmetic-surgery-san-diego-breast-surgery-article-3.htm
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/
http://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/san-diego-medical-research-study.htm
http://hoodia-research.blogspot.com
http://www.acne-treatment-medicine-1.info

Answer 4

my friend said she was getting her "body lift" paid for by the military b/c her husband was in the airforce and she gets horrendous rashes from the way her skin hangs. Perhaps you could induce rashes and get your insurance company to pay for it......j/k of course. But I was amazed when she said that the military was paying for it.

Answer 5

try writing Dr Phil he seems to do alot for people