HAIR LOSS

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Hair loss is the thinning of hair on the scalp. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. Alopecia can be temporary or permanent. The most common form of hair loss occurs gradually and is referred to as "androgenetic alopecia," meaning that a combination of hormones (androgens are male hormones) and heredity (genetics) is needed to develop the condition. Other types of hair loss include alopecia areata (patches of baldness that usually grow back), telogen effluvium (rapid shedding after childbirth, fever, or sudden weight loss); and traction alopecia (thinning from tight braids or ponytails). 

Hair loss normally occurs gradually with age in both men and women, but is typically more pronounced in men.

People typically lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. This usually isn't noticeable because new hair is growing in at the same time. Hair loss occurs when new hair doesn't replace the hair that has fallen out.

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Hair loss is typically related to one or more of the following factors:

• Family history (heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging. This condition is called androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. It usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns — a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair along the crown of the scalp in women.

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• Hormonal changes and medical conditions. A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), which is immune system related and causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm, and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh).

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• Medications and supplements. Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.

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• Radiation therapy to the head. The hair may not grow back the same as it was before.

• A very stressful event. Many people experience a general thinning of hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.

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• Hairstyles and treatments. Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot-oil hair treatments and permanents also can cause hair to fall out. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

 

Does Insurance Cover the cost of a Medical Wig?

Yes, but when submitting the claim you can not use the word Wig. If you use the word Wig the insurance will rejected the claim. There are steps that you have to take to become qualified for your insurance to cover your claim.

 

Most insurance will cover between 80 -100% of the cost for your full cranial prothesis. A patient may receive one cranial prothesis every year. Your cranial may also be a tax-deductible medical expense, depending on your plan. 

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Contact your health insurance Provider Benefits Services

1. Call your insurance company and see if they cover cranial prosthesis 

2. If it does what type of prothesis is covered (I,e human hair wig, synthetic wigs, etc.) 

3. How much is cover

4. Make sure you ask what documentation you  need to submit for your claims can be approve. 

5. Request a Prescription from the Client’s Doctor or physician including the medical procedure . Make sure the prescription do not say wig. Wig is cosmetic and will not be cover. 

6. Have the physician  write a prescription include the diagnosis codes on the prescription. (ICD,  CPT, HCPCS

7. Have the physician to write a detail letter explaining hair loss and its devastating effects on the recipient. Also, he/she can state that your prothesis is not for cosmetic reasons, but for your emotional well-being. Important for them to list all the codes. 

8. Physician’s NPI code 

9. Personal hand written letter emotional effects of the medical condition and the financial aspects  of purchasing a wig. 

10. PHOTO TAKE PICTURE WITHOUT the hair and make up.This will help by showing that it is not about cosmetic. 

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Most Types of Medical Hair Loss covered By Insurance 

Alopecia Hair Loss

Chemotherapy Related Hair Loss 

Cancer Related Hair Loss

Kidney Related Hair Loss

Thyroid Related Hair Loss 

Radiation Related Hair Loss 

Medical Hair Loss Due to Genetics. Stress, Reaction to Medical illness, Life and Environment Changes, Aging, Thinning, or Balding

 

What is Cranial Prothesis 

A cranial prosthesis is a wig for medical patients who have permanent hair loss. Such as alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and alopecia or temporary hair loss resulting from treatment for chemotherapy, radiation, or any other medical illnesses.