Insurance Coverage for Hair Removal Procedures in the Treatment of Gender Dysphoria

• Authors: Katelyn Peloza, Emory University; Benjamin Kahn, Emory University; Benjamin Stoff, Emory University; Howa Yeung, Emory University
• Journal Title: DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY
• Volume: Volume 47, Number 2
• Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS | 2021-02-01, Pages 306-+
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000002234
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Dermatology; Surgery

Abstract

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) affirmed in 2008 and 2016 that laser hair removal and electrolysis are medically necessary to treat gender dysphoria.1 Dermatologists and other qualified providers play an important role in the care of transgender patients by providing laser hair removal and/or electrolysis. These procedures can help alleviate gender dysphoria by preparing skin grafts preoperatively for gender-affirming genital surgeries and by removing distressing secondary sex characteristics, such as facial hair in transgender women. Anecdotally, coverage policies for hair removal therapies across insurance carriers vary widely, and many policies exclude such procedures as “cosmetic,” regardless of indication. To determine the availability of coverage for hair removal procedures, we examined the clinical policy bulletins for insurance carriers related to gender dysphoria.