Medicare Benefit Policy Manual (Pub. 100-02), Ch. 16 § 120
Cosmetic Surgery
120 - Cosmetic Surgery
(Rev. 1, 10-01-03)
A3-3160, HO-260.11, B3-2329
Cosmetic surgery or expenses incurred in connection with such surgery is not covered.
Cosmetic surgery includes any surgical procedure directed at improving appearance,
except when required for the prompt (i.e., as soon as medically feasible) repair of
accidental injury or for the improvement of the functioning of a malformed body
member. For example, this exclusion does not apply to surgery in connection with
treatment of severe burns or repair of the face following a serious automobile accident, or
to surgery for therapeutic purposes which coincidentally also serves some cosmetic
purpose.