Medicare For Medical Abdominoplasty For Muscle Separation Post Pregnancy

A WIN!

From the 1^st July 2022 Medicare item number 30175 will be available for women that are experiencing muscle separation of the abdomen as a result of pregnancy (for a medical tummy tuck procedure ((abdominoplasty)). There is criteria to meet as outlined by Medicare below:

The Criteria

As stated by Medicare: Radical abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), with repair of rectus diastasis, excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue, and transposition of umbilicus, not being a laparoscopic procedure, where the patient has an abdominal wall defect as a consequence of pregnancy, if:

(a) The patient:

(i) Has a diastasis of at least 3cm measured by diagnostic imaging prior to this service; and

(ii) has symptoms of at least moderate severity of pain or discomfort at the site of the diastasis in the abdominal wall during functional use and/or low back pain or urinary symptoms likely due to rectus diastasis that have been documented in the patient’s records by the practitioner providing this service; and

(iii) Has failed to respond to non-surgical conservative treatment including physiotherapy; and

(iv) Has not been pregnant in the last 12 months

Knowing if you are eligible

Once you have had a through examination and consultation with our plastic and reconstructive surgeons and they are satisfied you meet the eligibility for the 30175-item number (for tummy tuck ((abdominoplasty)), we can determine the best course of treatment for you, put together an accurate surgical plan and provide you with a precise quotation. This quotation will outline surgical fees and rebates from Medicare and Private health insurance (if applicable).

We recommend you seeing your GP should you feel, you may have some muscle separation and you are considering an abdominoplasty. Your GP can arrange an ultrasound prior to your consultation with us and provide you with a referral. This can assist you when seeing your chosen surgeon to gain the most out of your consultation.

Next Steps

Booking a consultation with Dr Peter Widdowson

You can contact our front reception team on 0755094488, email us at lotus@lotus-institute.com.au or contact us via our social media page on Facebook or Instagram to schedule an appointment and to find out more.

This is a huge win for all (Medicare eligible) women in Australia, as previously this tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty) was deemed cosmetic in nature. With the procedure having a medically attributed item number, it now means that the procedure is Medicare rebatable and that most (if not all) private health insurance companies (provided you have the right level of cover) will assist in covering some costs associated. The procedure will become more financially accessible in the private sector which we feel is fantastic news.