Excision or Treatment of Tattoos
DESCRIPTION
A tattoo is a permanent coloration of the skin by the introduction of foreign pigment. Tattooing involves multiple intradermal injections into the skin by a small machine having one or more needles connected to tubes containing the permanent dyes. Tattooing is usually done to produce a certain design or picture. Methods for excision or treatment of tattoos include laser treatments, abrasion, scarification and surgery.
POLICY
Excision or treatment of tattoos is considered cosmetic.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the Medical Policy and a health plan, the express terms of the health plan will govern.
SOURCES
American Academy of Dermatology. (1999). Guidelines of care for laser surgery. Retrieved August 6, 2001 from http://home.mdconsult.com/das/guideline/view/11987960/N/10922869?ja=151425&PAGE=1.html&sid=52676944&source=HS,MI
Bernstein, E. F. (2006). Laser treatment of tattoos. Clinics in Dermatology, 24 (1), 43-55. Abstract retrieved December 11, 2007 from PubMed database.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Medical Policy Reference Manual. (3:2003). Reconstructive/cosmetic services (10.01.09). Retrieved December 11, 2007 from BlueWeb. (0 article and/or guidelines reviewed)
Braverman, P. K. (2006). Body art: Piercing, tattooing, and scarification. Adolescent Medicine Clinic, 17 (3), 505-519.
Ricotti, C. A., Colaco, S. M., Shamma, H. N., Trevino, J., Palmer, G., & Heaphy, M. R. (2007). Laser-assisted tattoo removal with topical 5% imiquimod cream. Dermatologic Surgery, 33 (9), 1082-1091. Abstract retrieved December 11, 2007 from PubMed database.
Setlur, J. (2007). Cosmetic and reconstructive medical tattooing. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, 15 (4), 253-257. Abstract retrieved December 11, 2007 from PubMed database.
Tennessee Code: Title 39 Criminal Offenses: Chapter 15 Offenses Against the Family: Part 4 Children: 39-15-403. Tattooing of minors. Retrieved December 11, 2007 from http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/sitemap.htm.
Tennessee Code: Title 62 Professions, Businesses and Trades: Chapter 38 Tattoos and Body Piercing: Part 2 General Provisions: 62-38-207. Records - Tattooing of minors - Attestations - Instructions - Penalties for tattooing minors. Retrieved December 11, 2007 from http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/sitemap.htm.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2006, July). Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Tattoos and permanent makeup. Retrieved December 11, 2007 from http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-204.html.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2006, September). Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Temporary tattoos and henna/mehndi. Retrieved December 11, 2007 from http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tatt.html.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 1/11/1983
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 1/10/2008
ID_BT
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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