What to Do When Your Surgical Procedure Is Postponed Because of COVID-19

We know many of our patients have prepped for weeks or months for procedures only to have them canceled or postponed due to COVID-19. Our team at Koch Facial Plastic Surgery & Spa in West Des Moines wants to answer your questions and keep you informed on how to continue preparing for your procedure amid our temporary mandated closure.

How long will I have to wait before I can get back on the schedule?

We will do whatever we can to get you back on the schedule as soon as possible and as Dr. Koch’s schedule allows.

Will the current prior authorization from my insurance still be valid for my new date?

Most prior authorizations are valid for 30 to 90 days from the surgery date. If your rescheduled date is outside of this range, we may need to request a new prior authorization. However, in the wake of COVID-19, most insurance companies are extending the authorization dates. Please check with your individual insurance company, if you are unsure.

Will I need to get another pre-op physical with my doctor?

It is required that your pre-op physical for surgeries such as a facelift or rhinoplasty be completed within 30 days of your surgery. If you have already completed your physical and your new surgery date falls outside of that 30-day window, you may ask your doctor to write a note (within 30 days of the new date) stating that nothing has changed and you are still clear for surgery. This is completely up to your primary care physician. We suggest you call and discuss it with him/her. If you had to have an EKG, those are valid for 6 months, so in most cases, you will not need to repeat that.

If you have any other questions about plastic surgery or our med spa services such as CoolSculpting at our Des Moines practice, please contact Traci Rabusic, patient care coordinator at [email protected] or by calling (515) 277-5555. Keep in mind that our hours have changed during this public health emergency.

If you need more information about COVID-19 symptoms and prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.