Section 1367.63 Of Article 5. Standards From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 2. >> Chapter 2.2. >> Article 5.
1367.63
. (a) Every health care service plan contract, except a
specialized health care service plan contract, that is issued,
amended, renewed, or delivered in this state on or after July 1,
1999, shall cover reconstructive surgery, as defined in subdivision
(c), that is necessary to achieve the purposes specified in
subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c). Nothing
in this section shall be construed to require a plan to provide
coverage for cosmetic surgery, as defined in subdivision (d).
(b) No individual, other than a licensed physician competent to
evaluate the specific clinical issues involved in the care requested,
may deny initial requests for authorization of coverage for
treatment pursuant to this section. For a treatment authorization
request submitted by a podiatrist or an oral and maxillofacial
surgeon, the request may be reviewed by a similarly licensed
individual, competent to evaluate the specific clinical issues
involved in the care requested.
(c) (1) "Reconstructive surgery" means surgery performed to
correct or repair abnormal structures of the body caused by
congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection,
tumors, or disease to do either of the following:
(A) To improve function.
(B) To create a normal appearance, to the extent possible.
(2) As of July 1, 2010, "reconstructive surgery" shall include
medically necessary dental or orthodontic services that are an
integral part of reconstructive surgery, as defined in paragraph (1),
for cleft palate procedures.