The Centre, P.C. - Plastic Surgery Blog

Plastic Surgery Advocates Push Coverage for Children's Deformities - Friday, May 02, 2008

Many people think of plastic surgery as a "vanity" procedure, but here at the Centre, P.C, we are committed to plastic surgery as part of a program of overall health and wellness, part of which is expressed in our attention to the psychological effects of cosmetic surgery, and part through our dedication to not only cosmetic procedures, but also reconstructive procedures as well. We help people who have suffered debilitating or deformative injuries to the hand, breast, and skin.

In addition to those who have suffer injury or illness later in life, we are concerned about the treatment of children whose deformities may prevent them from ever fully integrating into the society of their peers. These deformities may be congenital, or due to infection, disease, tumors, or injury, and include cleft palate, hand deformities, and abnormal breast development.

Unfortunately, many children are unable to have corrective procedures because they are expensive and not covered by insurance. In response, many doctors donate their time to performing these procedures at little or no cost, both in the United States and abroad, but such volunteer procedures cannot be made available to all needy children. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has been trying to get access to these procedures for all children by lobbying for the past five years to pass what was known as the Treatment of Children's Deformities Act, now called the Children's Access to Reconstructive Evaluation and Surgery (CARES) Act. The bill requires that group health insurance plans cover the inpatient and outpatient diagnosis and treatment of children's deformities. The act explicitly excludes any procedure performed to reshape normal structures with the aim of improving appearance or self-esteem, but it also states that the procedure does not have to materially affect the operation of the operated body part.

As with much legislation, however, the bill is currently stalled in committee. It sits in the House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, where it has been since June 2007, although it has been offered as an amendment to many larger funding bills.

If you are interested in helping children overcome these sometimes debilitating conditions, contact your representative or senator today.

If you would like to learn more about the reconstructive or cosmetic procedures we offer at the Centre, P.C. please email us today for a consultation.