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

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?
Dec 5, 2022
Medicare cost stock image
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
Jul 25, 2022
Medsupp Thumbnail
Plan G vs. Plan N
Jan 28, 2022
The feet of a man suffering from foot pain stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?
Nov 18, 2022
woman sitting on sofa feeling pain in her foot at home stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?
Jan 13, 2023
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Dec 2, 2022
Medigap plan letters on outstretched fingers stock image
How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?
Apr 12, 2023
senior couple doing yoga stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
Mar 8, 2023
Cover image
Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?
Sep 20, 2023
Mental health stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?
Oct 12, 2022
Physiotherapist showing workout record on exercise bike
Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?
Jan 11, 2023
Medicare research stock image
Medicare Consulting Services
Apr 3, 2023
Cover image
How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?
May 5, 2023
elderly woman with glasses having difficulty reading her phone stock image
Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?
Dec 2, 2022
Senior woman fretting in front of her laptop stock photo
How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up
Oct 11, 2022
Fair Square
Building the Future of Senior Healthcare
Aug 25, 2022
Cover image
Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?
Jun 14, 2023
a doctor tells her patient she doesn't accept medicare. the patient wonders what to do stock image
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
Feb 24, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Medicare 101

Medicare Explained

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

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