Is Sinus Surgery Covered By Insurance?

The price of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on MDsave ranges from $7,888 to $12,049. Those with high deductible health plans or those who do not have insurance might save money by purchasing their procedure in advance with MDsave. Learn more about MDsave’s operation.

Is endoscopic sinus surgery covered by insurance?

The overall benefit of balloon sinuplasty has been discovered by insurance companies. When this operation is medically essential, most insurance companies and Medicare will fund it. To find out if sinuplasty is covered by your insurance, contact your provider.

How do you qualify for sinus surgery?

FESS stands for functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which is a minimally invasive method for unblocking sinus openings. It relieves the discharge, pain, and pressure produced by clogged sinuses by restoring sinus airflow and normal function.

A patient with recurrent acute sinusitis (two to four sinus infections per year with at least eight weeks between them) or chronic sinusitis is the best candidate for this surgery (infection lasting for at least 12 weeks, despite attempts to treat it).

It’s possible that the operation will result in a 90% improvement in symptoms.

Dr. Cecil Yeung, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) in Houston, will discuss what FESS entails and who is a suitable candidate for it in this blog.

How painful is sinus surgery recovery?

For the first few days after surgery, you should expect some nasal and sinus pressure and pain. A sinus infection or a dull aching in your sinuses may be the result. For minimal post-operative discomfort, extra-strength Tylenol is often all that is required. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin, Advil, and Aleve should be avoided (see below). If Tylenol does not relieve your pain, you should take the post-operative pain medicine that your doctor has prescribed.

How long does sinus surgery take?

Along with the endoscope, surgical instruments are introduced. This permits the doctor to remove small bits of bone or other material that is restricting the sinus passages, as well as mucous membrane growths (polyps). A laser may be used to burn away tissue that is blocking the sinus entrance in some circumstances. It’s also possible to use a small revolving burr to scrape away tissue.

How long is recovery from sinus surgery?

In about a week, you should be able to return to work or school, and in about three weeks, you should be back to your normal routine. This, however, varies depending on your profession and the amount of your surgery. In 1 to 2 months, most people are back to normal. Following your surgery, you will need to see your doctor on a regular basis for the next 3 to 4 months.

Do I really need sinus surgery?

Let us assist you in determining how to finally alleviate your severe sinus issues.

Most people will experience sinus issues at some point in their lives. Fortunately, they usually go away on their own, requiring no more than an over-the-counter medicine to control symptoms. Millions of Americans, however, are not so fortunate. They battle with severe and bothersome sinus problems that linger for more than a month. If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis or other sinus issues, our otolaryngologists in Sun City West and Sun City, AZ, can help you recognize the signals that it’s time to consider surgery.

Okay, we understand that no one wants to have surgery, and fortunately, most people with sinus problems will never have to. Our ENT doctor in Sun City West and Sun City provides a variety of options to help you manage your symptoms. If medication is able to manage your symptoms, there is no need for additional treatment; however, if medication (over-the-counter or prescription) isn’t working, it’s time to come in for more testing.

Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, are frequently performed to look for evidence of a sinus blockage or other symptoms that may necessitate surgery to resolve. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may need sinus surgery:

  • There is a problem with the structure of the nose or sinuses that needs to be fixed (e.g. deviated septum)

Sinus surgery is frequently done endoscopically, which means a thin flexible scope is inserted into the nose to remove, repair, or treat the condition. It’s a typical treatment option for chronic sinusitis. Of course, balloon sinuplasty is a noninvasive procedure that frequently offers patients with relief from chronic sinus issues without the need for traditional surgery. Balloon sinuplasty is a less invasive procedure that takes much less time to recover from.

Traditional surgery, on the other hand, may be required to correct structural deformities, remove sick tissue, and even reconstruct some regions of the sinuses.

Do you get put to sleep for sinus surgery?

You will be sleeping during your sinus surgery because it is conducted under general anesthetic. You will spend a few hours in a recovery room after surgery to allow you to wake up. Most patients are able to return home within a few hours of their operation.

How can I permanently cure sinusitis?

The goal of a doctor once they’ve determined what’s causing your chronic sinus infections is to:

Doctors should be able to offer medical treatments that clear up chronic sinusitis symptoms and prevent them from returning.

Intranasal corticosteroids

Intranasal corticosteroids help to clear the nasal passages of inflammation. Fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone are two examples (Nasonex).

They reduce swelling, making it easier for mucus to exit the nose and for breathing to improve.

Oral corticosteroids

Oral corticosteroids are oral steroids that act similarly to intranasal steroids. They also have far-reaching effects.

Because oral steroids have more adverse effects than nasal steroids, your doctor will usually prescribe short-term oral corticosteroids for chronic illnesses that don’t respond to antibiotics.

Decongestants

These drugs help to clear the sinuses and alleviate nasal congestion. They’re available as nasal sprays or as oral pills. Nasal Afrin or Sudafed are two examples.

However, nasal decongestant sprays should only be used for a few days at a time. If you use them for too long, they can have the opposite effect.

Saline irrigation

Saline irrigation is a straightforward procedure. It’s a low-cost method of nasal secretion thinning. Thinner secretions are easier to expel from the nasal passages, minimizing chronic sinusitis symptoms.

Antibiotics

A unique test will be performed by your doctor to harvest cells from inside your nasal passages. This isn’t your typical nose swab.

The sort of infection that has penetrated your nasal passages will most likely be determined by your doctor sending this sample to a laboratory. They’ll be able to prescribe the appropriate antibiotics to alleviate your discomfort.

Immunotherapy

Chronic sinusitis can develop as a result of immunodeficiency-related disorders in some people. IgA insufficiency and C4 deficiency are two examples.

Immunotherapy treatments, such as intravenous immunoglobulins, may be prescribed to improve the body’s ability to fight infection and inflammation.

Most clinicians believe chronic sinusitis is an inflammatory disorder, according to an article published in the journal American Family Physician.

That’s why anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids are frequently prescribed.

Is sinus surgery permanent?

You may require nasal packing, depending on the scope of the treatment. This is when your doctor implants gauze-like material in your nasal canal after surgery to absorb blood or other fluids. At your next follow-up session, they will remove them. There are various non-removable dissolvable packing materials available.

  • When you sneeze, try to keep your mouth open. This will relieve some of the pressure in your sinuses.

A few days following the surgery, you should start to feel better and have less symptoms.

Keep in mind that surgery for sinusitis does not always result in a cure. Instead, consider it as part of your entire therapy strategy. You may still develop sinus infections from time to time, for example. Your doctor may also advise you to continue using saline rinses, antibiotics, or other medications to treat your condition in the days following surgery.

While surgery may not be a permanent solution to your sinus problems, it may aid you in your quest for better breathing.