Is Laser for Rosacea Covered By Insurance

Rosacea is a very common skin condition that affects the face and eyes. It may also affect your nose, chin, forehead or ears. Rosacea causes redness in the center of your face, which can worsen with exposure to sunlight, heat and certain medications. If you suffer from rosacea and have been looking for an economical treatment option that does not compromise effectiveness or cause side effects, laser therapy may be a good option for you.

Diode lasers are low energy devices that only target dark colored hair because they aren’t effective on light colored hair. They’re ideal for treating small areas such as those found on the face, bikini line or underarms. They’re also suitable for treating larger areas, such as the legs but only if they have a uniform coloration (i.e., all dark).

Read on to learn more about Is Laser For Rosacea Covered By Insurance, Laser Treatment For Rosacea Side Effects.

Is Laser For Rosacea Covered By Insurance

There are still many insurance companies that refuse to cover Laser/IPL treatments because they view rosacea as a “cosmetic concern”. Here are some simple steps taken by previous rosacea sufferers to get insurance to reimburse both fully or partly.

Ring up your insurer and ask if it will be covered. Even if your insurance company will cover the procedures, they usually require pre-certification outlining the number of treatments and type of laser. Prepare a submission outlying your rosacea symptoms and how they affect and limit your lifestyle. Get photos of your severe flushing so the insurance company can see what you are really dealing with. Include peer-reviewed articles photocopied from books or medical journals or printed from the Internet.

The following symptoms are viewed as cosmetic (less important): Papules, pustles, redness and visible telangiectasias. The following are not cosmetic (more important): Flushing, blushing, burning, itching, facial swelling and pain.

Other major points to include:

• A letter of medical necessity from a physician in your plan including the CPT code for the procedure. (It was 17108 in 2003)
• A list of all other remedies you have tried (antibiotics, prescription topicals, diet and lifestyle changes, etc)
• In your letter explain that when lasers are used for cosmetic purposes the settings are different than when treating rosacea.
• As of 2004 many Laser/IPL machines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States.

• If it is not treated it will progress into more advances stages
• You may be able to stop taking current rosacea medications after the Laser/IPL treatments

What Is Rosacea and Is There a Cure

Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that makes the blood vessels on your face visible. Doctors aren’t sure what causes it, but they suspect that genes, mites, bacteria, and sun damage play roles.

If you have rosacea, you may also get symptoms like:

• Flushed cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead
• Small, acne-like bumps on your face
• Patches of dry skin
• Enlarged pores
• Swollen nose
• Bumps on your eyelids
• Problems with seeing
• Eye problems such as red, itchy eyes, and swollen eyelids

Rosacea often runs in families and is more common if you:

• Have or had severe acne
• Smoke
• Are female
• Are between 30 and 50 years old
• Have fair hair, light skin, and light eyes ‌

There’s no real cure for rosacea, but doctors prescribe certain medications to treat symptoms:

• Azelaic acid, which comes in gel and foam forms and clears up redness and bumps
• Topical antibiotics like doxycycline and metronidazole, which kill bacteria and suppress swelling and redness
• Isotretinoin, an acne drug that can help get rid of skin bumps
• Antibiotics you take by mouth, such as tetracycline

How Effective Are Laser Treatments for Rosacea?

Laser treatments are a good alternative to the medications doctors usually prescribe for rosacea.

In one study, 50% of participants had improved symptoms after going through YAG laser treatment.

Another study showed how pulsed-dye laser therapy for rosacea was “worthwhile” for all the study’s participants. The mean score for overall improvement was 4.4 out of 5 as judged by the participants themselves and 4.3 out of 5 as assessed by close friends or family members of the participants.

A 2008 study also showed the effectiveness of intense pulsed light therapy in reducing flushing and other symptoms of rosacea. Specifically, more than 50% of improvement was observed for the vast majority of participants.‌

In addition to reducing redness and other symptoms, laser treatments can:

• Ease skin irritation
• Make your skin smoother
• Boost collagen production in your body, which can make your skin more elastic and reduce wrinkles

Does Medicare Cover Laser Treatment for Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. It can also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. Laser treatment is one of the options available for managing rosacea symptoms. However, the question remains: does Medicare cover laser treatment for rosacea?Medicare is a federal health insurance program that primarily covers individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare coverage for laser treatment of rosacea depends on several factors, including the type of Medicare plan you have and the specific circumstances of your treatment

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services and treatments, including some dermatological procedures. Laser treatment for rosacea may be covered by Medicare Part B if it is deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider. However, coverage may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your treatment.Medicare Advantage PlansMedicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), and may offer additional benefits, such as coverage for laser treatment of rosacea. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it is important to check with your plan provider to determine if laser treatment for rosacea is covered.Medicare Supplement PlansMedicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are private insurance plans that help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. While these plans do not typically cover cosmetic procedures, they may cover medically necessary treatments, such as laser treatment for rosacea. It is important to review your specific plan to determine coverage.ConclusionIn conclusion, Medicare coverage for laser treatment of rosacea may vary depending on the type of Medicare plan you have and the specific circumstances of your treatment. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider and insurance provider to determine if laser treatment for rosacea is covered by your Medicare plan.