Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Insurance?

Globally, more than 30 million people suffer from sinusitis and related problems. Our lifestyles, increasing pollution, bacterial infections, and allergies are  major contributors to such diseases. Although, sinusitis is one of the common health problems, the various remedies available can help in a great extent to cure it. Home remedies, including healthy food, plenty of water intake, exercise, and a good sleep pattern, can help in improve the situation. However, if the acute sinusitis does not go away on its own, you may be required to go for a thorough diagnosis for ensuring the best treatment.

Usually, balloon sinuplasty is recommended to the patients who do not get satisfactory results from medications or other treatments. Balloon sinuplasty may replace the need for a more extensive surgery, ESS (Endoscopic Sinus Surgery). Talking of this surgery, you may have thought of sinus surgery insurance coverage. In this article, you will get to know the details of balloon sinuplasty insurance. Well, before that let’s understand what is sinusitis.

Understanding Sinusitis

Sinuses are basically cavity spaces in your head and around your nose. There are four sinus cavities. The purpose of the sinus is to produce mucus, which then drains out through the nasal passage. This function keeps your nose clean and bacteria-free.

As discussed above, sinusitis is a common problem affecting millions of people. While the exact cause may not be known, pollution, smoking, poor lifestyle, a virus/bacterial infection, an underlying health condition, or a recent medical treatment may trigger sinusitis. When the lining of the sinus gets inflamed and thus blocks the functions of mucus drainage,the person starts to feel pressure due to sinus blockage.

Acute sinusitis may not last more than a week or two and relax on its own in a few days. However, if it persists longer or keeps returning, you must see a doctor soon. 

Now that you know what is sinusitis let's understand balloon sinuplasty andis balloon sinuplasty covered by insurance.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

When a Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) patient does not recover on its own or with medication, surgery may be recommended. Balloon sinuplasty is a low-risk surgery for people who do not require ESS. It is a minimally invasive surgery. People suffering from loss of smell, excessive stuffy nose or nasal congestion, runny nose, or pressure on the face may need balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty can be performed either at a clinic or a hospital, as per preference and availability. The patient is given local/general anaesthesia as needed. During the surgery, a catheter is inserted in the nostril with the help of an endoscope (a thin tube with light). In the next step, a balloon is inserted and inflated to clear out the sinus. The complete process may be done once or repeated, as per the requirement. The further section explains-is balloon sinuplasty covered by medical insurance.

Cover Balloon Sinuplasty with Care Health Insurance

The rising medical expenses can make it tough for people to cope with the surgery expenses. Here comes your health insurance policy into the action. Care Health Insurance offers coverage for balloon sinuplasty in its Care Supreme plan under Advance Technology Method coverage category.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive surgery performed with advanced technology, so it falls under the daycare procedure.  Care Health Insurance ensurescomprehensive healthcare coverage with 540+ daycare procedures covered. With Care Supreme plan, you get multiple high sum insured options ranging from 7lakhs to 1 cr, unlimited automatic recharge to cover multiple hospitalisation, 60 days pre and 180 days post hospitalisation coverage and many other attractive benefits. Hope this clarifies the question- is sinuplasty covered by insurance?

What are the Risks or Complications of Balloon Sinuplasty?

We believe you’ve gained the necessary knowledge about balloon sinuplasty or balloon sinuplasty insurance coverage.

Wait, here is more!

Before you go for any surgery, it is important to have an idea of the possible complications and side effects. Like any other medical surgery, balloon sinuplasty may also have certain complications.

• The first and foremost thing to understand is balloon sinuplasty is not the ultimate treatment for sinusitis. The problem of sinusitis may return sometimes after the surgery has been done. One may also develop bacterial infections. The reasons may be your lifestyle habits, exposure to extreme pollution, infections etc. These could further lead to an another balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery.
• Another common complication can be excessive nose bleeding. Usually, before beginning the balloon sinuplasty procedure, the doctor may use a topical decongestant to control the nasal bleeding that occurs due to the balloon sinuplasty. However, in some cases, the patient may experience heavy bleeding. In such a condition, your doctor will do the needful. If you experience bleeding after the treatment, inform your doctor about the same.

What is the Recovery Time after Balloon Sinuplasty?

Usually, the recovery time is 24 hours to 48 hours after balloon sinuplasty is done. It is highly recommended that the patient take adequate rest for 2 days and avoid travelling, especially to high-pollution areas. Apart from this, one may take precautions to have a good rest, like sleeping on an elevated pillow to avoid nasal congestion. You may also recommend a nasal spray for cleaning nostrils. Blowing through your nose must be avoided for a few days. Also, strenuous activities must be postponed for a week or more.

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Summing Up

While sinusitis is a common health concern impacting millions of people every year, it is equally a discomforting health issue. Congestion in the nasal passage is itself an irritating situation that can hinder free airflow, and excessive mucus can cause facial pressure and pain. The condition can worsen in winter or during cough and cold. It is best to seek early medical advice for the best treatment.

Apart from the medical treatments, make sure to follow healthy home remedies and a good lifestyle to keep the situation under control.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.