Does insurance cover breast reduction?

Yes. For many patients with commercial insurance plans, breast reduction is covered when it is medically necessary. The key factors are your documented symptoms and the amount of tissue to be removed relative to your body size. Dr. Newman's office can often verify your benefits before your initial consultation and manages pre-authorization from start to finish.

What is the Schnur Sliding Scale?

The Schnur Sliding Scale is an evidence-based chart that calculates the minimum weight of breast tissue that must be removed for insurance to consider the procedure medically necessary, based on your height and weight. Dr. Newman uses this scale as part of every breast reduction evaluation. An online calculator is available on the practice website.

How long is recovery?

Most patients take one week or less away from work and resume strenuous activity at approximately three weeks. Many notice immediate relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain. Final results are typically visible within three to six months.

Which insurance plans does Dr. Newman work with?

Dr. Newman's office works with most major commercial insurance plans and has established contacts at many of these plans that make the pre-authorization process more efficient. These include NYSHIP Empire Plan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Emblem, and Anthem. Contact the office for a benefits verification before your consultation.

Breast reduction does produce scars, but their placement is carefully planned and they typically fade significantly over time. Dr. Newman discusses incision planning and scar management in detail at every consultation, and patients receive specific guidance on optimizing their healing.