Laser hair removal is an efficient and minimally painful way of eliminating unwanted body hair. Treatment sessions should typically be administered four to six times over time at intervals of four to six weeks.
While many medspas, spas, and esthetician offices offer laser hair removal, insurance companies only cover this procedure when performed in a doctor’s office. Here in this blog post we investigate whether or not your insurer will cover this medically necessary cosmetic treatment.
Costs
Laser hair removal costs can vary significantly based on where you live and the provider you select. Med spas located in high rent areas must charge more to cover overhead expenses; more experienced providers may charge more. It is always wise to shop around before scheduling treatments in order to save money and avoid paying more than necessary.
Before undergoing laser hair removal, it’s essential to understand its risks and side effects. In addition, multiple sessions will likely be required before reaching desired results can be realized. It is also advisable not to pluck or wax unwanted hair prior to laser treatment as this can stimulate new follicle growth resulting in further complications with hair removal issues. Furthermore, sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 30 protection should always be worn outdoors when going outside and tanning salons should be avoided at least 6 weeks beforehand for maximum efficacy.
Laser hair removal is usually considered an elective cosmetic procedure and, consequently, most insurance policies do not cover it. However, if you suffer from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), a hormonal condition which leads to irregular periods and excessive hair growth, they may reimburse for it.
Laser hair removal should only be administered by certified physicians or nurse practitioners, though choosing one with expertise in your skin type and board certification in dermatology will give the best results. Make sure that he or she will supervise treatments and be available should any complications arise during treatment; in addition, look for practitioners listed on a registry as this demonstrates they meet specific standards of training and skill.
Dependent upon your skin tone and type of hair, four to six treatments should provide optimal results. Each session costs around $150; you could save money by purchasing an eight-treatment package instead. Furthermore, many providers offer third-party financing solutions to assist in meeting the cost of laser hair removal.
Procedures
Laser hair removal works by passing a laser beam over the skin to damage or destroy hair follicles, stopping future growth. The procedure is typically painless and doesn’t require downtime, while topical anesthetic can sometimes be applied for additional comfort. You may require multiple sessions before seeing results that suit you; light-haired people with dark skin often respond best as this combination allows the laser beam to target hair follicles more effectively than otherwise.
Before beginning any laser hair removal treatment, it’s essential that you prepare by shaving the targeted area a day before your appointment. This step is necessary as shorter hair requires some left over for laser therapy to be more effective; waxing and plucking also remove roots which make the laser less effective; additionally, sun exposure could cause pigmentation issues which make hair resistant to laser removal treatments.
When considering laser hair removal, it’s important to research costs and services available. Costs will depend on factors like treatment area size and skin color as well as treatments needed and hair growth rates in target areas – for instance a full leg treatment can cost over $1200!
Private health insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures like laser hair reduction; however, there may be exceptions. If your health condition causes uncomfortable hair growth, your physician may suggest laser hair reduction as a medical necessity – increasing your odds that insurance will cover it.
Choose a dermatologist with experience in laser hair reduction. Additionally, he or she must also be licensed and certified by their state to ensure legal practice which complies with all state regulations. Furthermore, ensure they possess all of the appropriate equipment and tools required to perform laser hair removal for safe results that reduce risk from misuse of devices.
Side effects
Laser hair removal is generally an effective and safe treatment option, although certain people should avoid or be especially careful with regard to its use. These include pregnant or nursing women as well as people who have keloid scarring or skin healing issues such as scars. Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers should wait until hormone levels return to normal before having laser hair removal performed, while sun exposure should be limited two weeks prior and post laser hair removal to reduce the chance of sunburn.
Laser hair removal works by heating up and damaging pigment in hair follicles, stopping their ability to grow new hairs. Treatment typically requires multiple sessions; during the first, however, your skin may feel sensitive or hot; to ease any discomfort during treatment you can use topical numbing cream or cooling gel as necessary.
After treatment, you will likely experience temporary redness and swelling in the treated area; these are generally temporary side effects that will fade over time. It is essential to follow all instructions from your physician regarding post-procedure care; such as refraining from rubbing the treated area or using rough cleansers which could potentially irritate it further; additionally baths/hot water should also be avoided for at least a couple days as these could further irritate it; finally any tanning products should also be avoided in that region for best results.
Some patients have reported ingrown hairs or other minor side effects after their treatment, usually as a result of some hairs not yet falling out. While ingrown hairs should not pose a major problem, you should contact your physician for advice if necessary.
Laser hair removal is generally not covered by private insurance plans; however, certain states have guidelines for determining if it is medically necessary. Individuals using an accountable care partnership plan (ACPP), managed care organization (MCO), One Care organization, Senior Care Options or PACE can ask their provider about coverage requirements and coverage details.
Insurance
Laser hair removal can be an effective, safe way to rid yourself of unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, though, it can be expensive; therefore it is wise to plan how you will cover its expense in advance of scheduling an appointment. Medical credit cards, loans and payment plans all may carry high interest rates so check with your health insurance provider first to see if coverage exists.
Most private insurance policies don’t cover laser hair removal; however, there may be exceptions. If you suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or have hirsutism and require constant shaving for medical reasons, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or have to constantly shave due to it (hirsutism), then your insurer may cover part or all of the cost – the key is providing proof of condition along with physician recommendation for approval!
Those considering laser hair removal should keep in mind that multiple sessions at four to six-week intervals will likely be required, which can become expensive when targeting larger areas of the body. Furthermore, it’s wise to account for inflationary price shifts which vary based on where you reside; to make an appointment it would be prudent to consult a specialist.
Most laser hair removal centers provide payment plans and health savings accounts (FSA or HSA) options to make the procedure affordable, and several accept flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts (HSA). It is wise to shop around and find clinics offering package deals or discounts for multiple sessions. Also remember that the average price has increased since last year!
Cost is often an important consideration for cosmetic and aesthetic professionals, which is why selecting an insurance plan that meets both their business needs and budget is of utmost importance. Coverage that encompasses malpractice liability as well as general liability will help shield your practice from lawsuits if clients experience injuries during treatments, while excess liability provides extra coverage over and above what your general liability policy provides. A good broker will assist in selecting an adequate policy to best meet these criteria for your practice.
