Insurance
- Hair Due to Chemotherapy
- Kidney Related Hair lLoss
- Hair Loss Caused by Cancer
- Alopecia
- Radiation Related Hair Loss
- Hair Loss Due to Thyroid Problems
- Medical Hair Loss Due to Life and Environmental Changes, Thinning and/or Balding, Genetics, Stress, Aging, Reaction to Medical Illness
The Steps You Should Take
Contact the benefits department for your health insurance and ask:
- Does your policy cover a cranial prosthesis?
- If it does, what type of prosthesis is covered (I.e. human hair wigs, synthetic wigs, etc.)
- How much of the cost do they cover?
- What specific terminology for a wig should the prescription contain?
- Is there required documentation they need to submit your claim? What is it?
Note: When reviewing your insurance policy and you don’t see cranial prosthesis listed, it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have coverage. We strongly recommend that you call your health insurance company and get pre-authorization.
NEXT:
- Get a prescription for a “cranial prosthesis” from your doctor. Make sure that’s the correct terminology required by your health insurance provider. Also, include procedure code A9282. It’s important that the prescription does not say “wig”. Because a wig is considered a fashion item, it is not medically necessary. The procedure code/number on your cranial prosthesis prescription is used to submit your insurance claim.
- Add a personal touch. By having your doctor write a letter, you become more human, and not just a claimant. In the letter, your doctor can explain hair loss and its devastating effects on a recipient. Also, he/she can state that your prosthesis is not for cosmetic reasons, but for your emotional well-being.
- Make sure you keep copies of all your invoices and documentation from your doctor for tax exemption purposes. Don’t forget to consult with your tax advisor regarding tax deductible items and medical bills.