Reimbursement Policies of Swiss Health Insurances for the Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Abdominal Tissue Excess After Massive Weight Loss: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Patients with symptomatic abdominal tissue excess following massive weight loss (MWL) often experience skin affections associated with hygiene challenges, functional impairments, and psychological distress, all of which significantly impact their quality of life (QoL). Abdominoplasty effectively addresses these issues when conservative treatments prove ineffective. However, health insurance companies (HICs) in Switzerland frequently deny reimbursement. This study aimed to evaluate HIC’s reimbursement policies for abdominoplasty, quantifying time delays and additional costs generated by reconsideration due to initial rejections while assessing postoperative QoL of patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients undergoing abdominoplasty for symptomatic abdominal tissue excess after MWL between July 2019 and December 2023. Eligibility required HIC approval, informed consent, and legal age. Primary outcomes measured the number of reimbursement requests needed per patient, duration until approval, and additional diagnostic and therapeutic interventions following rejection. Secondary outcomes focused on additional consequent costs, differences in baseline characteristics and symptomatology, as well as QoL improvements using a non-validated, study-specific questionnaire. Results: Of 52 patients included, 33 received cost approval after a single request, whereas 19 required multiple submissions. The mean duration until approval was 15 weeks, with a 26-week delay for the multiple-request group, generating additional costs of CHF 715 per patient. Moreover, abdominoplasty significantly improved QoL in all patients, with no differences between groups. Conclusions: Initial reimbursement denials caused treatment delays, prolonged symptomatology, and increased healthcare costs, despite clear surgical indications. However, future studies involving larger cohorts are needed to support these findings.