This is provided for your review. It is a long and very technical document. While this is listed as a “consensus” document there are numerous researchers in the United States and internationally, who disagree with the conclusions of this paper. I will be working with a group of lipedema experts… Continue reading
This is included more as a thought-experiment than a proven approval technique. I don’t know if the “comparable procedure” argument would have any weight with an appeal review committee concerning reimbursement for liposuction for lipedema. I’ve not tried this strategy yet. However, if you’re working on your second or third-level… Continue reading
Yes, this is the same Guidebook that is on Amazon.com. It is provided here at no cost to you and in .DOC format so you can copy-and-paste any of into your pre-authorization or appeal document. I am updating it every 4-6 weeks. My goal is to update this document every… Continue reading
There is no national database that tracks all complications for all procedures so any number is an estimate. Deaths may be reported to state agencies but the number of cases done is not reported anywhere so while we may have an estimated numerator, there is no accurate denominator, especially since… Continue reading
Lipedema and Lipolymphedema [Update September 9, 2020 Karen Herbst presented the new codes to the NCHS/CDC committee. The meeting went well and after a public review period it will be determined in early 2021 if they will move forward with the new codes.] Lipedema, initially described at the Mayo clinic… Continue reading
The information below would be of most interest to those performing liposuction for lipedema, and in particular those who are interested in obtaining carrier reimbursement for the procedure. Please see my other posts concerning reconstructive versus cosmetic and medical necessity for coverage of those important reimbursement issues. The information below… Continue reading
Recently Providers and researchers have asked me how they can help. Here is a list of questions. Don’t feel like you need to answer them all. Which ICD-10 code do they use for lipedema: R60.9, Edema, Q82.0 Familial Hereditary Edema, or E88.2: Adiposis dolorosa; Lipomatosis dolorosa (Dercum’s disease)? Do they… Continue reading
The most recent Excel version of the checklist is above. 1 Liposuction for Lipedema Reimbursement CHECKLIST. Asterisk * [right] means additional information is available on www.lipoforlipedemareimbursement.com [December 2, 2020] Check website for updates.2 Make a decision for surgery (in the future). [Website www.lipoforlipedemareimbursement.com]3 Review your insurance policy for coverage information…. Continue reading
There are over 300 research studies regarding lipedema. There are over forty, peer-reviewed journal articles reviewing the benefits, efficacy, and safety of tumescent, lymph-sparing liposuction as the only surgical treatment for lipedema. For a lay person the most daunting task is knowing which research is considered most scientifically sound and… Continue reading
[Clinicians, please feel free to add or make recommendations to this document. You can reach me using the contact form – Jeff]. The main point here is that a carrier will deny your claim if the patient is too sick for the procedure and their concerns are not addressed. This… Continue reading