Common Patient Questions
Many reconstructive procedures are covered by insurance plans, and which procedures are covered varies among different insurance companies. For non-emergent (elective) surgeries, a letter and photographs may need to be submitted to your insurance company for prior authorization. Our office will help with the necessary paperwork through the pre-authorization process. Most plans do not cover cosmetic surgery or treatments.
Dr. Shore performs surgery at two hospitals: Presence St. Joseph Hospital and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Prior to scheduling your procedures, Dr. Shore will review and discuss a surgery location with you.
Smaller procedures – including small skin lesion removal, cosmetic injectables, small scar revisions, and skin treatments – are typically performed in the office.
While we make every attempt to remove small skin lesions at the time of your first visit, we cannot guarantee this can done. In cases where the lesion is large, in a sensitive area, if there are multiple lesions, or if certain medications need to stopped ahead of time, we will schedule the removal for after your initial visit.
Many reconstructive procedures are covered by insurance plans, and which procedures are covered varies among different insurance companies. For non-emergent (elective) surgeries, a letter and photographs may need to be submitted to your insurance company for prior authorization. Our office will help with the necessary paperwork through the pre-authorization process. Most plans do not cover cosmetic surgery or treatments.
Sometimes this distinction is not clear. Generally speaking, cosmetic surgery is done to improve one’s appearance, and is not considered medically necessary. Reconstructive surgery is performed to treat medical issues, or to reconstruct bodily defects or differences that have been caused by cancer, disease, accidents, or birth abnormalities.
A board certified plastic surgeon has undergone extensive training that includes at least three years of general surgery, a dedicated plastic surgery residency, and in many cases, additional fellowship training. These surgeons have been trained in the scope of plastic surgery, which includes certification to perform all facets of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, and are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
A cosmetic surgeon has not necessarily been trained as a plastic surgeon, nor necessarily been certified by the ABPS. The training is not standardized, and may only include weekend or online courses as preparation to perform cosmetic procedures.
When it comes to optimizing results and maintaining patient safety, it is important to know how your provider has been trained, and who is certifying them to perform certain procedures. The ABPS ensures that all plastic surgeons meet the high standards of excellence in order to earn the title of being “board certified”.
Dr. Alison Shore is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
For more information, please read this helpful article in Smart Beauty Guide by Michael Edwards, MD, FACS: