Path to Surgery.. Start to Finish

[blueturtle80085]

*This is my final NEW post for the day, sorry for all the new material*


Okay, so if you've read any of my other posts you can tell I am suffering from gynecomastia, and as you might assume, I am contemplating surgery.

Could someone, preferably a person that has had surgery, or even better, one of the surgeons that frequent this site please help me, or anyone else that is thinking about surgery come up with a plan of action, from start to finish?

Here are my thoughts...



1.Exercise during the entire ordeal; Reason being to get yourself in the best possible shape so that you as a patient can experience the best possible results.


2.See your PCP (Primary Care Physician) for a basic exam and referral. He can run the basic lab tests to examine hormones and other possible outlying causes for your condition. Gynecomastia may be out of his scope of comfortability so he may in all likelyhood refer you to a specialist. He can however document any physical pain you may be expereincing related to gynecomastia.

3.Document all interactions with Doctors and your Insurance company. This may be helpful in getting your carrier to reimburse you for at least part of the procedure, if at all (Doesn't hurt to try)

4.See the specialist, most likely an endocrinologist? as they can do more sophisticated testing on chemical and hormonal levels and provide you with a better idea as to why you are suffering from gynecomastia.

5.See a clinical psychologist to document any MENTAL or EMOTIONAL pain or anguish you may be suffering from related to your gyno. Again, this could be crucial to getting at least partial reimbursement from your insurance provider.

6.Get a referral from your PCP or specialist to set up a consultation with a BOARD CERTIFIED plastic surgeon. Pick his brain, ask him questions, set a surgery date, work on a payment plan etc. etc. etc.

7.Be RESILIENT with your insurance provider. Don't take no for an answer! Work people, get letters and recommendations from your doctors. Often times, from what I've read, insurance companies will, after great debate, hand over money if they feel like they'd save money by covering the surgery rather then paying for psychologist visits, and meds for the emotional and physical pain over a long period of time.

8. Finally, have the surgery. Hopefully, with the backing of your insurance company.




Any input on the above? Stories to share? Comments? I'm just looking for the best way to prepare for the surgery, the right people to see along the way, and any tactics that could help get the insurance company pick up the tab 

Please discuss..

As always ALL input is greatly appreciated!