How to Obtain Medical Reimbursement for a Cranial Prosthetic
There are many people who utilize hair pieces for important medical reasons, and those in this position will often be able to receive partial or even full reimbursement for these items in many cases. Most insurance companies will cover anywhere from 80% to 100% of a cranial prosthetic that's required for varying medical purposes, but those who are receiving this reimbursement will have to take the proper steps to ensure everything is in place.
At Judi's Wigs, we're happy to provide numerous wig services to clients, from wig products themselves to wig styling, wig care and more. We also offer advice and assistance for those who require a cranial prosthetic for medical purposes, including when reimbursement needs arise. Here are some basics on the kinds of needs reimbursement will often be available for, how to go about the insurance filing process, and some other basics to be aware of here.
**Disclaimer: At Judi's Wigs, we are not insurance professionals, nor do we provide legal advice. We are happy to provide general information, though we recommend that you consult your insurance company and/or doctor for specifics on your case.
Kinds of Prosthetic Needs That Are Typically Eligible
Firstly, let's discuss the kinds of situations where cranial prosthetic purchases will typically be available for medical reimbursement. These include:
Cancer patients: The most common reason for prosthetic purchase reimbursement, many patients with cancer and undergoing related treatments will qualify for insurance coverage here.
Alopecia sufferers: Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, and those suffering from this can often receive partial or full reimbursement for their cranial prosthetics as well.
Burn victims: In cases where a person has experienced a burn, whether due to accident or medical procedure, they can often be approved for prosthetic purchase reimbursement as well.
Keeping in mind that every case may vary and there are other potential medical needs that could qualify for insurance coverage, these are the three primary examples where cranial prosthetics will typically be eligible.
The Insurance Filing Process
While this may vary between specific cases and insurance companies, the general process for filing an insurance claim to receive medical prosthetic reimbursement is as follows:
Letter or prescription from medical professional: The first major step will be to obtain a letter or prescription from a medical provider indicating that the item is medically necessary. This should also include a description of the prosthetic, including any special features that may be needed.
Receipt from purchase: Once the prosthetic has been purchased and paid for, you'll also need to provide your insurance company with proof of payment, usually in the form of an itemized receipt. If possible, ask the company you're purchasing the cranial prosthetic from to include their Tax ID number on the receipt.
Physician sign-off on insurance claim: Next up, you'll need to get your doctor to sign off on the insurance claim, confirming that the item is indeed a medical necessity. This can help expedite the process and ensure a smoother experience.
Submission of all paperwork: Finally, make sure you have copies of all relevant documentation – including any paperwork provided by the insurance company as well as any notes from your doctor – and submit them along with the claim.
It's important to note that this process may be different depending on the insurance company, and it's best to get in touch with them as soon as possible to confirm what steps are needed. Your prosthetic provider might also be able to provide more information here if needed.
How to Appeal A Denied Claim
In some cases, your claim may be denied by your insurance company. This denial will sometimes be for legitimate reasons, such as if you're trying to be reimbursed for a non-medical reason, but there are other cases where this may be in error and you should appeal. Here are some steps and tips for doing so:
Know your rights: Make sure you're familiar with your coverage and the rights that come with it, as these can often be beneficial depending on the situation.
Gather evidence: Be prepared to provide any pertinent information or evidence to support your claim. This could include medical records, letters from doctors, etc.
Write a formal letter of appeal: Put together a formal letter of appeal, including all relevant documentation and outlining your reasons for the request. Be sure to include your contact information in this letter as well.
Follow-up: Make sure you follow-up with the insurance company after submitting your letter of appeal, either via phone or email. This can help to ensure that they've received it and are aware of the situation.
By utilizing these steps, you should be able to appeal any denied insurance claims related to cranial prosthetic purchases and potentially receive reimbursement.
There are many people who require cranial prosthetics for legitimate medical reasons and are eligible for partial or full reimbursement through their health insurance plans. However, it's important to take the necessary steps to complete this process if you're in this position. For more here, or to learn about any of our wigs or wig services, speak to our team at Judi's Wigs today.