As one of the country’s foremost experts on microsurgical vasectomy reversal, urologist Larry Lipshultz strives to make the procedure as accessible and affordable to as many people as possible. Unfortunately, most insurance policies do not cover vasectomy reversal, which can make the dream of starting or expanding a family seem out of reach to many couples. Dr. Lipshultz wants such couples to realize that there is hope and not to rule out the possibility that they can afford quality vasectomy reversal. It is better to schedule a consultation at Dr. Lipshultz’s office serving San Antonio to discuss vasectomy reversal, insurance issues, and payment options than to give up on a dream without knowing all of the facts.
Why Do Most Insurance Companies Not Cover Vasectomy Reversal?
Sadly, most insurance companies consider vasectomy reversal an elective procedure; in other words, they consider it not to be medically necessary. This may seem strange given that most insurance companies do offer coverage for vasectomy. One reason for this is that vasectomies often end up saving insurance companies money, as they will not have to cover future pregnancies and births associated with the insured. This could also explain why they don’t cover vasectomy reversal, as successful results will entail further future costs to them.
However, in an NBC News story published in 2012, entitled “Unsnipped: More men seeking vasectomy reversals,” author Bill Briggs points out that an increasing number of health insurance providers are deciding to pay for vasectomy reversal. A New York male infertility specialist told Briggs that “Insurance companies are beginning to cover vasectomy reversals because the success rate is as good as - if not better than - in vitro fertilizations…in terms of live pregnancies.”
Will Your Insurance Plan Cover Your Vasectomy Reversal?
Although unlikely, it is possible that your insurance policy will cover your vasectomy reversal. It is worth your time and effort to call your insurer and ask specifically whether your outpatient microsurgical vasovasostomy or, if necessary, epididymovasostomy will be covered. If you are told that it will be covered, make a point of noting the name of the representative to whom you are speaking and the time and date of the conversation just in case the insurance company declines coverage after the actual surgery.
Alternatives to Insurance
Dr. Lipshultz is extremely up front about the costs associated with vasectomy reversal, so there will be no surprises when you decide to undergo the procedure. Dr. Lipshultz accepts payments for his fees in installments according to the following schedule:
- A non-refundable deposit of $500 when your surgery is scheduled
- $1,950 four weeks before your scheduled surgery
- The remaining balance of $1,950 two weeks before your scheduled surgery.
You are responsible for paying separate hospital and anesthesia fees on the day of your procedure. These fees are not charged by Dr. Lipshultz, and payment is entirely between you and the hospital.
Learn More about Vasectomy Reversal and Insurance Issues
If you have any questions about vasectomy reversal or you would like to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Lipshultz, please contact Baylor College of Medicine, Scott Department of Urology today.