The term bone spur refers to an osteophyte or an exostosis or a bone growth where there is no normal bone. It can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly in the neck and the back and feet. But not commonly in the nose. In the nose it can occur at the base of the cartilaginous septum and cause partial obstruction in discomfort. It can be acquired or congenital. Rhinoplasty treatment is not indicated unless it causes problems. For example, breathing obstruction and/or pain and even migraines.
Surgical rhinoplasty treatment can be directed to the issue locally without necessarily changing or altering the overall architecture or structure of the nose. So yes, it can be a component of a rhinoplasty which in addition to changing the structure of the nose remove the spur.
Rhinoplasty and Bone Spurs
Insurance coverage for rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery does not exist. Insurance companies are not in the business of patient care. They are in the business of cash flow management. They will often say yes, it’s medically necessary but not a covered expense. This is their way of not paying for rhinoplasty. I’ve been rendering service to patients since 1983 as a board-certified plastic surgeon. I’ve had my run-ins with insurance companies. They will pre-approve a procedure, pay for it and then months later ask for refund because they made an error. They will also deny procedures that they had a preapproval. I do not take patients who require insurance payment for their procedures because the insurance companies cannot be trusted to pay for things they should.
We require that the patient understand and sign off on our agreement that they must prepay the procedure in full including all aspects of care. The insurance companies will use this as a basis not to pay – and then the fight begins. We do not have the administrative time to debate and fight with insurance companies to pay and meet their obligations. It’s just not possible. And if the company refuses to pay, we are not able to fight the insurance company It’s to do so. I and my staff work for the patients – not the insurance company. Therefore, our relationship is with the patient and not the insurance company.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
