I have a history of back and neck pain. I also have osteo Arthritis which I turn I've been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease. I recently saw Dr Ricca and he recommended and wrote a letter stating I would benefit from breast reduction surgery thus maybe my insurance would provide for this procedure. My family DR is Dr Porter and my question is do I need referral from Dr Porter to you?
It sounds like you would be a good candidate for a breast reduction. Your primary, Dr. Ricca, can likely refer you to a plastic surgeon. You can also find plastic surgeons in your area on this website. The need for a referral would be specific to your insurance, so I can't answer that. Breast reduction is a good operation and patients are often very satisfied.
In general any woman with back, neck and shoulder pain and breasts DD size or larger can benefit from breast reduction. Insurance requirements vary, but in our area most do not require primary care referral to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon (but it is a good idea). Your plastic surgeon will perform a history and physical, document the findings and send them to your insurance company for their approval. Some insurance companies will not cover your procedure, but your surgeon can offer affordable self-pay quotes that will still allow you to feel the benefits of proportional breast size and lifted shape.
It is always good to have documentation from your primary physician supporting your claim for need of breast reduction. Some insurances will require a note recording your symptoms (rash under the breast, back and neck pain, etc) 6 months prior to your visit with a Plastic surgeon. You do not need a referral to see the surgeon. Best wishes!
Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Either doctor could supply you with a referral to see a plastic surgeon for a breast reduction consultation but in most cases Dr. Porter is physician most likely to do so. Hope this helps.
Patients with large breasts that experience these symptoms can benefit from a breast reduction surgery. Having your symptoms documented by several physicians certainly helps justify moving forward with the procedure. While the majority of insurance policies to do not require a referral to see a plastic surgeon, there are still some that do. You can check with your insurance company. Otherwise, have your family doctor send a referral to a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation to be arranged.