Health insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses incurred by an individual or a group of individuals.
It is designed to help individuals and families pay for medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs and other healthcare services.
Health insurance works by having individuals or employers pay a monthly or annual premium to an insurance company.
In exchange, the insurance company agrees to pay for a portion or all of the medical expenses incurred by the individual or group covered under the policy.
There are several types of health insurance plans available, including;
1. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
This type of plan requires individuals to choose a primary care physician who will coordinate all of their healthcare needs.
HMOs typically have lower out-of-pocket costs but offer less flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.
2. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
PPOs allow individuals to choose their healthcare providers, but typically have higher out-of-pocket costs than HMOs.
3. Point of Service (POS)
POS plans are a combination of HMOs and PPOs, allowing individuals to choose a primary care physician but also providing some flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.
4. High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
HDHPs have lower monthly premiums but require individuals to pay a higher deductible before the insurance company begins covering medical expenses.
Having health insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unexpected medical expenses.
It is important to carefully review and compare different health insurance plans to choose the one that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Fibroid removal
Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus.
They are very common, with up to 80% of women developing them by the age of 50.
Fibroids can vary in size, number, and location within the uterus, and can cause a range of symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure on the bladder or rectum.
The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but they are thought to be related to hormonal imbalances, genetics and other factors.
Women who are overweight, have a family history of fibroids, or have never given birth are at a higher risk of developing fibroids.
Fibroid removal, also known as myomectomy, is a surgical procedure that is used to remove fibroids while leaving the uterus intact.
This procedure is typically recommended for women who want to preserve their fertility or who have symptoms that are not relieved by other treatments.
There are several different methods of fibroid removal, including;
1. Laparoscopic myomectomy
This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) to guide the removal of the fibroids.
2. Hysteroscopic myomectomy
This procedure is used to remove fibroids that are located inside the uterus.
A hysteroscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) is inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus and the fibroids are removed using specialized instruments.
3. Abdominal myomectomy
This procedure involves making a larger incision in the abdomen to remove the fibroids.
This method is typically used for larger fibroids or when multiple fibroids need to be removed.
In some cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended as a treatment for fibroids.
This procedure is typically only recommended for women who have completed their childbearing or who have severe symptoms that are not relieved by other treatments.
Does health insurance cover fibroids removal?
As mentioned above, fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus, and they can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit.
If you have fibroids with moderate or severe symptoms, surgery may be the best way to treat them.
The most common surgical procedures to treat fibroids are hysterectomy, myomectomy, and uterine fibroid embolization.
The good news is that most health insurance companies do cover fibroid removal.
Each insurance provider will have its own policies regarding which procedures are covered and how much coverage is provided.
At your initial consultation with a fibroid specialist, you will get the chance to discuss the costs and insurance coverage for fibroid treatment.
It’s important to call before your visit so the doctor’s office can connect with your insurance provider.
If you don’t have insurance, some medical centers accept both insured and uninsured patients and offer incremental cash payments.