Botox is widely known for its cosmetic usage, but it's a versatile treatment that can also be used to treat many medical issues effectively. It's a toxin that works fast to relax muscles in many areas, which can help for issues like wrinkles, but it also works for some medical problems like excessive sweating and migraines.
Will insurance cover Botox?
In most cosmetic cases, insurance will not help with the cost of Botox. However, there are some medical cases where insurance can cover Botox. We discuss many of these medical issues in this post for your information, but it's best to speak with your insurance provider to discuss the terms of your plan and what will and will not be covered.
Medical issues that you can treat effectively with Botox injections
Migraines
Chronic migraines are severe headaches that often accompany issues like nausea and enhanced sensitivity to light and noise. Chronic migraines last four or more hours and occur regularly, sometimes as often as every day.
Botox can be administered to the head and neck muscles to prevent migraines from occurring frequently and lessen their effects. Muscles in the head and neck are often at the root of patients' migraines.
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder, characterized by unexpected and frequent contractions, can cause issues like lack of bladder control and frequent urination. Some urologists choose to inject Botox into the bladder using a particular scope inserted through the urethra, called a cystoscope.
Botox injections help the bladder contract more commonly, making frequent urination less frequent and returning patients to a regular restroom schedule.
Excessive sweating (underarms)
Excessive underarm sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, occurs when the nerves in the armpit area trigger sweating too often. Excessive sweating can happen even when standard sweating triggers like hot weather and exercise are absent.
Many dermatologists have chosen to use Botox injections in the area, lessening the sweat your glands produce by effectively slowing them down.
Muscle spasms
Muscle spasms, specifically in the eyelids, can be aided with Botox, ceasing uncontrollable and frequent blinking issues for patients and eye twitches and painful irritation that can come with these issues. Muscle spasms in the eyelids can make the simplest tasks far more complex, like driving and using a computer. Botox injections into the eyelids' muscles can relieve these spasms and cramps.
Cervical dystonia
Cervical dystonia is a disorder affecting the nerves and muscles in the neck and shoulders to pull without the patient's control. This can cause uncontrollable tilting and turning of the head, muscle tremors, and associated pain in the areas. Botox injections help relax these muscles and relieve many symptoms for patients.
Upper limb spasticity
Upper limb spasticity is characterized by the involuntary contractions of arm muscles, causing patients to clench their firsts and do other movements without any control. Similarly, Botox can be used to relax these various muscle groups, bringing relief from these movements and allowing patients to return to a more normal state.
Will insurance cover my medical Botox?
The only one who can tell you for sure if Botox for medical usage will be covered under insurance is a representative from your insurance company. Once a doctor thinks it is a good idea, they will be the ones who have the final call.
You can learn more about Botox treatments and how they might help you by speaking to someone at DRC 360. Our team of experts has administered Botox to patients for various reasons, from cosmetic to medical, and can help guide you in the right direction. We happily service clients from areas of NJ such as New Providence as well as Summit, Berkley Heights, Chatham, and many other surrounding towns! Speak to a Botox expert today.
