Hysterectomy: FSA Eligibility
Hysterectomy: eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a medical procedure which results in the removal of the uterus. Different types of hysterectomies may result in the removal of other components of the female reproductive system, including the cervix and/or ovaries. The different types of hysterectomies entail different degrees of invasiveness and, therefore, scarring. Hysterectomies may result in several side effects including urinary incontinence , vaginal prolapse, fistula formation, infection, and chronic pain (WebMD).
What are the implications of a hysterectomy?
If the ovaries are removed as part of the hysterectomy, the patient will undergo menopause. Even if the ovaries aren't removed, menopause can begin earlier than it otherwise would for the patient. Hysterectomy recovery can take anywhere from six days to eight weeks. Abdominal hysterectomies are the most invasive, and most likely to require longer recovery and have more side effects. Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is the least invasive and usually allows for a much quicker recovery (Everyday Health).
What is the purpose of a hysterectomy?
Despite the significant loss associated with a hysterectomy, there are certain medical conditions for which the alternative – losing the uterus – is preferable. Medical conditions that typically result in a physician recommending a hysterectomy are painful uterine fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, or cancer of the uterus, cervix or ovaries. Removal of the uterus, and possibly the cervix and/or ovaries, usually removes the symptoms of pain, bleeding, or risk of life due to these medical conditions.
A hysterectomy is a medical procedure that is eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account.