Increased hair growth is one of the hallmark symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Luckily, however, it can be effectively controlled with laser hair removal treatments.
Laser hair removal is typically considered cosmetic rather than medically necessary by most insurance providers, but in certain instances coverage could apply.
Medically Necessary
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects around five million women of reproductive age in the US. This hormonal disorder can impact fertility and cause side effects including acne, obesity, and excessive hair growth. This is because PCOS causes the body to produce high levels of androgens, which are similar to testosterone. Excessive hair growth can appear coarse and dark, typically on the face, nipple area, chest, or back.
The good news is that, if you have PCOS and experience excess hair growth, laser treatment can help. Laser treatment targets the melanin in your hair, turning it into heat and ultimately destroying or severely damaging the follicle so that it can no longer grow hair. During a laser hair removal session, a dermatologist will glide or stamp the device over the area you want treated, using numbing cream to minimize any discomfort.
Because it is a less painful treatment than electrolysis, laser hair removal is generally considered to be the best option for removing unwanted hair caused by PCOS. In addition, laser treatments can remove hair from a wider range of areas than electrolysis, and can treat many individual hair follicles at the same time. Moreover, unlike shaving and waxing, laser hair removal can be permanent.
That said, it’s important to understand that PCOS-related hair growth won’t be completely reversed by any type of laser treatment. Even though the treatment can effectively reduce hirsutism, it’s necessary to address the underlying condition of hormone overproduction in order to permanently resolve it.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure that’s often covered by insurance plans, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition such as PCOS. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor before undergoing any type of treatment. They can review your health history and recommend a treatment that’s right for you.
Another reason why it’s important to see a qualified physician before pursuing laser treatment is that if the process isn’t performed correctly, it can have an adverse effect on your health. For example, if you have PCOS and undergo laser hair removal on your legs, armpits, or bikini line, it could result in the formation of folliculitis, which is an infection that occurs when hair follicles become clogged or irritated.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery typically isn’t covered by health insurance plans, as this would fall under their coverage for expenses related to essential health needs versus elective procedures like cosmetic ones that should be covered directly by patients themselves. Unfortunately, though, there can often be a fine line between health coverage and elective procedures which makes it hard for those seeking surgery to know whether their chosen procedures will fall into this category or not.
Breast implants can sometimes be considered cosmetic while revision of an earlier reconstruction may be covered by insurance due to reconstructive procedures being considered medically necessary to address physical abnormalities or correcting them. Therefore, it’s essential that you read your coverage details closely and seek assistance from a benefits administrator if any questions arise about how your policy operates.
Cosmetic surgery can be an expensive undertaking, so it is wise to ensure you have enough resources available to cover its expenses. These costs should include the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia costs, operating facility charges and postoperative medicines as well as follow up treatments or office visits that might be needed afterward. Also prepare yourself for complications which could include scarring, swelling, bleeding and changes to skin texture or tone as potential consequences of surgery.
Finally, it is essential that you focus on what your desired outcome of the procedure will be rather than how other people perceive it. Feeling pressured into changing for other’s perception could impede recovery and satisfaction with results. In addition, make sure to carefully select a surgeon by researching his qualifications and asking about their experiences in performing the procedure you desire.
In-Office Treatments
Insurance companies typically don’t cover cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal; however, if they deem the procedure medically necessary for you and agree to partially or fully cover it. In such a scenario, documentation that supports your claim will likely be required as proof.
If you suffer from folliculitis, laser hair removal could be considered by your physician as a treatment to avoid complications such as permanent scarring, discoloration or changes in skin texture. Furthermore, the procedure might even be covered if it reduces the need for oral and topical medications to treat your condition.
Importantly, your doctor must work on your behalf in order to get an insurance company to agree to cover your treatments. Otherwise, they won’t be able to persuade them that it’s essential for your overall health and well-being. Be ready for significant out-of-pocket expenses should the insurer agree only to cover part of it.
Note that insurance companies generally do not allow payment from credit cards, HSA or FSA accounts towards cosmetic surgery procedures such as laser hair removal. Doing so would constitute non-qualified distribution and could incur penalties from the IRS.
Prior to selecting an in-office provider for laser treatment, it’s wise to consult your doctor in order to select the most suitable individual or practice for you. Be prepared to attend multiple in-office sessions before your insurance company approves payment for treatment.
PCOS is a complex condition affecting approximately 10 percent of women, which has an enormous negative impact on quality of life and self-esteem. Symptoms associated with PCOS can include excess hair growth, acne and ingrown hairs; to address these challenges, The PCOS Diva/PCOS Challenge Confidence Grant awards up to $500 to cover dermatological or cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal or electrolysis treatments.
Out-of-Office Treatments
As more women seek treatment for PCOS, many are opting for cosmetic procedures like hair removal to address its side effects. Although these procedures don’t treat PCOS directly, studies show they can make you more comfortable and increase quality of life.
Causes of PCOS remain elusive; however, it’s thought that too much androgen production by ovaries and adrenal glands leads to symptoms including hirsutism, acne and obesity. A doctor can diagnose this condition by conducting an exam and gathering your medical history (including how regular your menstrual cycles are). You may also undergo blood tests as well as having a pelvic ultrasound exam with a wand-like device which measures thickness of your uterine lining).
Your physician can recommend long-term solutions for your hair growth, irregular periods and other symptoms of PCOS, such as birth control pills or anorectic surgery. Depending on the terms of your health insurance plan, however, out-of-network services may incur fees; you should check beforehand with them.
