Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Doctor showing patient bone anatomy of skeleton of nose and nasal cavity on skull. Preparing for rhinoplasty surgery, correcting deviated nasal septum, localization of rhinitis, sinusitis in nose stock photo
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 18, 2022

Septoplasty and other nasal surgeries might be covered

Difficulty breathing and nosebleeds are just two of the potential health risks caused by a deviated septum. So can Medicare help cover the surgery to straighten your nose? If the surgery is determined to be medically necessary, then yes. Otherwise, Medicare will not offer coverage for cosmetic procedures. 

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
Let's talk more about what goes into this determination. 

What is a deviated septum and what causes it?

A deviated septum is when the thin wall of cartilage that separates the nostrils in your nose shifts to one side. This can lead to an obstruction of airflow and make breathing difficult. It's estimated that 80% of people have some degree of a deviated septum, with severe cases causing difficulty sleeping, headaches, and sinus infections.
The causes of a deviated septum can vary but include congenital issues or trauma such as a broken nose.

Symptoms and diagnosis of a deviated septum

Common symptoms of a deviated septum include difficulty breathing, poor sense of smell, frequent nosebleeds, sinus infections, and snoring. Sometimes the obstructed nasal airway can lead to nasal polyps, benign growths in the sinus that can further impede your breathing.
In order to diagnose the condition properly, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and conduct a physical exam that may include a rhinoscopy (an examination using an endoscope that is passed through the nostrils).

Septoplasty

The surgery to correct a deviated septum is known as septoplasty. In this procedure, the doctor will straighten and reposition the septum to improve airflow. The surgery is typically done under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting and may involve other procedures, such as sinus resection or turbinate reduction.
Septoplasty is usually regarded as minor procedure. Most operations take only 30-90 minutes, with recovery lasting for a couple weeks on average. These are among the most common medical procedures performed by ear, nose, and throat doctors. Before your procedure, you might be asked to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

Costs of septoplasty

The cost of septoplasty can vary depending on the complexity of your case, but the cost can range from $6,000 to $30,000.
As mentioned earlier, Medicare will only help to cover the cost if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. But if that is not the case, you still have some options for reducing the cost of your surgery. For example, you can talk to your doctor about financing options and paying in installments.

Medicare coverage for surgery to correct a deviated septum

What does Medicare cover for treating a deviated septum?
For Medicare to offer coverage for any type of surgery, it must be deemed medically-necessary. Medicare Part B may cover the costs associated with a septoplasty if it is deemed to be medically necessary. However, they will not cover cosmetic procedures. In order to determine if you qualify for coverage, your doctor must present documentation of the medical necessity of the procedure. The documentation should include the diagnosis, a description of the procedure, and a plan for post-operative care.
If you meet all of the criteria, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the costs associated with the septoplasty. You will be responsible for the remaining 20%, although a Medicare Supplement Plan can help cover the remaining 20%.

Takeaway

Deviated septum surgeries are covered by Medicare if they are determined to be medically necessary. If not, there are other ways to cover the costs, such as working with a doctor on financing options. No matter what route you take, it's important to speak with a medical professional about any questions or concerns you have before making major decisions. This content is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions about your Medicare coverage, give us a call today at 1-888-376-2028.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

scientist mixing chemical compounds stock image
Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?
Apr 4, 2023
treehouse
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
May 25, 2020
Cover image
Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?
Nov 30, 2022
stack of books stock image
Do You Need Books on Medicare?
Apr 6, 2023
Senior woman having vision problems stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Nov 30, 2022
Cover image
When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement
Jun 7, 2023
Physiotherapist showing workout record on exercise bike
Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?
Jan 11, 2023
Man with disability and service dog stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
Nov 29, 2022
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?
Dec 2, 2022
senior gentleman wearing a suit working on his laptop outside of his office stock photo
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Sep 27, 2022
Cover image
Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter
Feb 28, 2023
Nashville city skyline stock image
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville
Mar 10, 2023
Doctor physician consulting with male patient in hospital exam room stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?
Dec 9, 2022
A doctor with a clipboard consults a female patient with cancer
Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?
Jan 11, 2023
Medigap stock image
When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?
Nov 18, 2022
A women's restroom sign that has been modified to show the stick figure woman needing to use the toilet
Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?
Jan 11, 2023
Senior couple going over their finances in front of a computer stock image
How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2023?
Dec 27, 2022
Prescription Drug Bars
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
May 25, 2020

More of our articles

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2024 "Donut Hole" Updates

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2023

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2024

Plan G vs. Plan N

The Fair Square Bulletin: January 2024

The Fair Square Bulletin: July 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: June 2023

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M