Insurance and MRIs on Silicone Implants

GalleySlave

I see that the FDA recommends MRIs on Silicone implants to monitor for leaks. My PS recommends that also. Has anyone had any trouble getting insurance to pay for this? Thank you

SpecialK

I have had a number of MRI imagings done throughout the 10 years I have had reconstruction with implants, but most of them have had a specific reason other than routine surveillance - most, but not all. My most recent was probably the most vague as far as a reason prior, but did actually reveal a silent rupture - a surprise to everyone. Insurance has always covered. I just switched to Medicare, with my previous regular health insurance becoming my supplement, so I have no idea how this will unfold in the future. Good luck!

GalleySlave

Thanks for the info SpecialK. One less thing to worry about.

Bu they found a leak? Now what?

SpecialK

Do you mean what did they do about my leak? Which I should clarify - not a leak, a rupture - cohesive gel means that the silicone stays where it is and doesn't travel like the silicone implants of old. The fix is surgery and replacement of the damaged implant. Since I had the recalled textured implants, and would be under anesthesia anyway, both of my implants were replaced with smooth in June of 2021.

GalleySlave

What a lot to go through. Glad it’s over for you though. I just came home from my swap surgery. Bound up like a geisha girl right now. Apparently he did liposuction/fat grafting and I’m feeling the bruises. Thank goodness for Percocet and a DH who is wilingly waits on me. I wish everyone the same good luck I’ve had in their ow journeys.

Peacetoallcuzweneedit

I have had my implants since 2017 and I have had three MRIs since. My co-pay is ridiculous so I pay for these out of pocket ~700 each. I have not had a problem getting insurance pre-approval for the MRIs though...I think my thoughts are going to "do I get them replaced at 10-12years or get a completely different reconstruction surgery"