Panniculectomy

Published 05/14/2020

Cosmetic surgery, or expenses incurred in connection with such surgery, are not covered by Medicare. Cosmetic surgery includes any surgical procedure directed at improving appearance, except when required for the prompt (i.e., as soon as medically feasible) repair of accidental injury or for the improvement of the functioning of a malformed body member.

Panniculectomy

Abdominal lipectomy/panniculectomy is surgical removal of excessive fat and skin from the abdomen. When surgery is performed to alleviate such complicating factors as inability to walk normally, chronic pain, ulceration created by the abdominal skin fold, or intertrigo dermatitis, such surgery is considered reconstructive. Preoperative photographs may be required to support justification and should be supplied upon request.

Meets Medical Necessity

  • The panniculus hangs below the level of the pubis
  • The panniculus causes chronic intertrigo (dermatitis occurring on opposed surfaces of the skin, skin irritation, infection or chafing)
  • Intertrigo consistently recurs over three months while receiving appropriate medical therapy, or remains refractory to appropriate medical therapy over a period of three months

Does Not Meet Medical Necessity

  • Treatment of neck or back pain
  • Improving appearance (i.e., cosmesis)
  • Repairing abdominal wall laxity or diastasis recti
  • Treating psychological symptomatology or psychosocial complaints
  • When performed in conjunction with abdominal or gynecological procedures (e.g., abdominal hernia repair, hysterectomy, obesity surgery) unless criteria for panniculectomy and abdominoplasty are met separately

References

Panniculectomy Documentation Checklist
Yes
No
N/A
Section A Patient Complaints and Physical Signs
The panniculus hangs below the level of the pubis
 
 
 
 
The panniculus causes chronic intertrigo (dermatitis occurring on opposed surfaces of the skin, skin irritation, infection or chafing)
 
 
 
 
Intertrigo consistently recurs over three months while receiving appropriate medical therapy, or remains refractory to appropriate medical therapy over a period of three months
 
 
 
 
There is a presence of a significant functional deficit that prohibits or profoundly impairs the ability to perform activities of daily living due to a significant physical deformity or disfigurement resulting from the excess skin folds, and surgery is expected to restore or greatly improve the functional deficit
 
 
 
 
For Panniculectomy
 
 
 
A brief description of the panniculus, underlying skin, and conservative treatment undertaken and its results
 
 
 
 
Reconstructive Surgery
 
 
 
Documented physical findings of the anatomic defect
 
 
 
 
Section B — Photographs
For Panniculectomy
 
 
 
Photographs of ulcerative abdominal folds, intertrigo dermatitis
 
 
 
 
For Reconstructive Surgery
 
 
 
Photographic documentation clearly demonstrating the anatomic defect
 
 
 
 
Preoperative exam and notes
 
 
 
 
Postoperative notes
 
 
 
 

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