Rhinoplasty is
one of the most popular plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures. Despite the popularity, a lot of patients are confused about whether there is Medicare for nose surgery or not. Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward yes or no answer to the question. That is why we have compiled all the information in this article that can help you determine whether you are eligible for funding from Australian Medicare or not. Eligible patients may get their Medicare rebate through Nose Surgery item numbers
41671, 41672, 45635,
45641, and 45644. Dr Scott Turner is an experienced Plastic Surgeon and Sydney
Nose expert who has developed his own unique surgical techniques – find out more about his Nose Surgery and you can see more photos of his rhinoplasty before and after past patient results during a consultation. It is important to understand that Rhinoplasty will not be covered by Medicare if you are getting it done for purely aesthetic reasons. However, if the surgery is deemed as a medical necessity, you may be eligible for Medicare coverage. Generally, people who have one of the following conditions may get a medicare rebate: A Nose Job or nose
reshaping is a popular surgical procedure that can give you a better-shaped nose and improved breathing. There are different types of nose procedures that can be performed to enhance the aesthetic appearance, but also to allow you to breathe better. Rhinoplasty can be a truly life-changing procedure. The surgery will quieten the insecure voice in your head, give you a better-looking nose and can improve your quality of life. Moreover, you will be able to breathe easily and comfortably post-surgery which can be truly life-altering. With the new nose and
improved sense of breathing, you can have a new outlook on life and will also be able to pursue a wide range of physical activities (without worrying about breathing) and sleep more comfortably. The confidence you get post-surgery is a plus in itself and can benefit you in every walk of life. In order to claim your Rhinoplasty on Medicare, you will need a Medical Referral from your General Practitioner or Specialist. You can get it prior to booking an initial consultation with your surgeon or after the first appointment. It is important to demonstrate
medical necessity in the referral, including breathing troubles and other issues. While consulting with your GP, it is worth discussing your symptoms to ensure the clinical need is documented in your referral. The answer to this is ‘MAYBE’ – Medicare offers rebates on
Rhinoplasty procedures if you meet the special criteria and conditions as listed below. The most relevant MBS item numbers for Nose Surgery are: If you have the required documentation for Rhinoplasty Surgery and you meet the Medicare criteria, you can qualify for a rebate. It is important to note that the recent MBS changes included additional photographic proof, examination evidence, reporting documentation, and stricter patient criteria for Medicare rebates. How to get Medicare and Health Insurance to help pay for a Nose Surgery Job like Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty
Can you get Medicare to cover Rhinoplasty?
What are the Criteria for Getting
Medicare for Rhinoplasty?
Quick Facts About Medicare for Rhinoplasty
What is Nose Surgery?
CLICK to Download Dr Scott Turner’s Nose Procedure Guide
Why Should I Consider Rhinoplasty?
For Medicare – You’ll need a Medical Referral with Documented Concerns
So will My Rhinoplasty be Covered by Medicare?
How Do You Qualify for Medicare Rebate for Rhinoplasty Surgery? – MBS Item Numbers
Will Medicare Cover Nose Surgery for Medical Reasons? – MBS Criteria
Your eligibility will essentially be based on the following Medicare criteria;
41671 – NASAL SEPTUM, SEPTOPLASTY, SUBMUCOUS RESECTION or closure of the septal perforation. Benefits are payable for septoplasty (item 41671) when performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty. Full clinical details must be documented in inpatient notes, including pre-operative photographic and/or NOSE Scale evidence demonstrating the clinical need for the service as this may be subject to audit.
41672 – Reconstruction of the nasal septum
45635 – Rhinoplasty, partial, involving correction of bony vault only, if:
The indication for surgery is:
- airway obstruction and the patient has a self‑reported NOSE Scale score of greater than 45; or
- significant acquired, congenital or developmental deformity; and
- photographic and/or NOSE Scale evidence demonstrating the clinical need for this service is documented in the patient’s notes
45641 – Rhinoplasty, total, including the correction of all bony and cartilaginous elements of the external nose, with or without autogenous cartilage or bone graft from a local site (nasal), if:
The indication for surgery is:
- airway obstruction and the patient has a self‑reported NOSE Scale score of greater than 45; or
- significant acquired, congenital or developmental deformity; and
- photographic and/or NOSE Scale evidence demonstrating the clinical need for this service is documented in the patient notes
45644 – Rhinoplasty, total, including the correction of all bony and cartilaginous elements of the external nose involving autogenous bone or cartilage graft obtained from a distant donor site, including obtaining of graft, if:
The indication for surgery is:
- airway obstruction and the patient has a self‑reported NOSE Scale score of greater than 45; or
- significant acquired, congenital or developmental deformity; and
- photographic and/or NOSE Scale evidence demonstrating the clinical need for this service is documented in the patient’s notes
Will Health Insurance Help Cover the Cost of the Rhinoplasty Surgery?
You need to meet strict criteria for your insurance or Medicare to pay for the surgery. It is important to be fully aware of Medicare codes and rebate eligibility criteria as these two factors can change & affect your claim.
If you qualify for Medicare you may also be eligible for rebates on the Rhinoplasty surgery from your Private Health Insurance Provider. This only applies if your condition meets the criteria for Medicare Item Number and you have the right level of coverage. It is important to check directly with your own Private Health Fund, regarding your policy as they can differ. Please quote the item numbers. Be careful when they tell you that you are “fully funded” – this just means they will pay a subsidy towards your surgery.
Why is Medicare for Nose Surgery Rhinoplasty Confusing for a Lot of Patients?
We all are born with different noses. If we take into account the complex structure of nasal airways, you can see that Rhinoplasty is a highly customized procedure. Different patients deal with different kinds and types of nasal obstructions.
While applying for rebates, subsidies and financing, it gets quite difficult to measure the extent of these nose issues. That is the prime reason why Medicare and private health insurance providers are very strict in terms of their assessment and are required to meet the defined criteria in order to get the rebate.
If you manage to prove the medical justification and need for the Rhinoplasty, you are more likely to get a rebate and subsidy.
NOTE – Medicare Rebates are Subject to Change and Review
Please note that MBS Item codes are reviewed regularly and can be changed/eliminated from the Medicare rebate schedule at any time. If you are currently eligible for a Medicare rebate for Rhinoplasty, it is best to get the procedure sooner rather than later.
Will My Private Health Fund Cover My Rhinoplasty?
Private Health Funds only cover a procedure if;
- You meet the current Medicare eligibility criteria and have an MBS item number.
- You meet the strict criteria for Medicare rebate to quality for health fund cover and provide proof.
- You have the right level of cover and have served the waiting period after joining
- Extensive documentation, examinations, imaging or volumetric testing, and photographs are usually required to substantiate a claim for Rhinoplasty.
Top Tips for Dealing with Medicare Regarding Your Nose Surgery Rhinoplasty Claim
- First things first, you need to understand the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgeries. If you are undergoing purely cosmetic surgery, you will not be eligible for a rebate.
- Plastic Reconstructive Surgery procedures are medically necessary for patients and hence qualify for a rebate.
- Medicare and private health insurance providers typically offer a partial fund and rarely pay for the complete quote for nose surgery.
- If you have private health insurance, you can ask your insurance provider about the services and how are they different from Medicare.
- It is important to be very specific and precise in your request.
- MBS descriptions and classifications are subject to quick changes. Hence, it is very important to stay up to date.
- It is important to document every step of the way throughout the journey
- Learn MBS item numbers associated with your nose surgery or Rhinoplasty and make sure you understand the descriptions fully.
- Learn what the terms “medically indicated” and “Statement of benefit” refers to
How Much Will My Rhinoplasty Cost if Self-Funded?
The cost of getting a Rhinoplasty in Sydney by a specialist plastic surgeon can vary significantly depending on the experience and expertise of the surgeon, area, and the hospital.
Visit the surgery pricing page for more information. Typically, a nose job (rhinoplasty) will cost between $8,000 and $20,000 AUD.
The variation in cost can also be attributed to the highly customised nature of the procedure. You can contact Dr Turner’s team for an estimate or come for a consultation to get a quote. We will also help you understand the costs and risks associated with the surgery. Our team can also help you access your eligibility for coverage by MBS or your health fund.
In addition to that, you can also speak with our patient care team on 1300 641 199 to get any help you might need.
Funding Your Nose Surgery
Can I Use My Super Fund to Pay for Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Some patients use their own super fund to pay for their rhinoplasty. Before requesting the early release of funds, it is very important to note that:
- Each application for early Super release is assessed on an individual basis and financially assessed
- Superfund withdrawal applications can be made through your MYGOV account via the ATO
- Tax implications apply. The withdrawal may be taxable. Hence, it is important to seek professional financial advice
Can I have a Nose Surgery Payment Plan?
Medical Finance companies may be able to help you fund your nose surgery. Please visit the Finance and payment plan page for more information. You can also prepay your surgery over time as a pre-payment plan.
FAQs on Medicare for Nose Surgery
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding Medicare coverage for rhinoplasty:
How do you get a nose job with Medicare?
- You can only get a nose job covered by Australian Medicare if it is deemed as a medical necessity by your doctor. If you are getting it done for aesthetic reasons only, Medicare will not pay for it. The MBS codes associated with nose surgery are 41671, 41672, 45635, 45641, and 45644.
Can a nose job be covered by Medicare?
- Yes, it can be covered by Australian Medicare, provided that it is a medical necessity.
What qualifies you as a good candidate for a nose job?
Here is a basic outline that will help you qualify for the nose job:
- You are at least 18 years old and your facial growth is complete
- You are in a physically healthy state with no chronic illnesses
- You have realistic goals associated with the treatment
- You do not smoke or can quit it for a specified time period
- You wish to get Rhinoplasty done to correct your medical problems
Does Medicare cover Nose surgery – rhinoplasty for a deviated septum?
- If your deviated septum is making breathing difficult and the surgery is required to improve function, Medicare may pay for it. However, if you wish to get rhinoplasty only to improve the appearance of your nose, Medicare will not cover it.
Do you get a free nose job if you have a deviated septum?
- If the deviated septum is making it difficult to breathe for you and surgery is the only option to correct the function, chances are you may get a Medicare rebate.
When is a Rhinoplasty medically necessary?
- Rhinoplasty is medically necessary when it corrects structural defects in the nose that impair breathing.
Why is cosmetic surgery NOT covered by insurance?
- The reason why insurance providers do not cover cosmetic procedures is that these are not considered vital to maintain quality of life or ensure the right functioning of a body part or system.
For more information
- Read Dr Turner’s procedure page on Nose Surgery
- See Dr Turner’s results – Nose Surgery before and after photos
- Read Dr Turner’s Blog on Nose Surgery FAQs
- Read Dr Turner’s Blog on Recovery after Nose Surgery
About Dr Scott Turner FRACS (Plas) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Scott J Turner has spent a lifetime acquiring the qualifications, education, training, and hands-on surgical experience to perform superior cosmetic plastic surgery to give you natural, beautiful results and the improved sense of well-being you want. He is one of the top Specialist Plastic Surgeons with a Breast and Body Surgery focus in New South Wales.
Achieving this personal goal requires not only in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and refined surgical techniques but an ongoing commitment to learning the latest procedures around the world. This is why Dr Turner regularly attends both local and international surgeon meetings – discussing these advances with the leaders around the world in order to offer you the most natural, effective and safest surgical procedures. He is a committed board member of ASAPS – Australia Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Dr Turner and his highly trained staff will do everything to ensure that you are fully informed, while providing exceptional, world-class cosmetic plastic surgery, in a personal and caring environment.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Download a Procedure Guides to find out more about your surgery
- Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure
Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?
- A medical referral is helpful but NOT essential for purely cosmetic consultations.
- Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
- Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral
Making The Most Of Your Consultation
- Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation with Dr Scott
- You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
- Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
- Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
- Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us
How to Book Your Consultation with Dr Turner
- You can book your initial consultation with Dr Turner by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment
BOOK A PHONE CALL FOR MORE INFO
- To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15 minute phone conversation with our Patient Care team – BOOK A CALENDLY CALL
Contact us or call on 1300 641 199 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney or Newcastle.
Email us for more information: [email protected]