how to...

If you are in need of a wig or hair topper for medical reasons (Cancer related or Alopecia) you may be eligible for a reimbursement from your current health insurance provider? 

The trick is knowing what insurance companies look for.  A claim submitted with the term "wig" will more than likely be rejected by insurance companies because it is seen as a cosmetic expense, while referring to the same product as a "Cranial Hair Prosthesis" necessary for medically related hair loss will just as often result in a paid claim as a medical necessity.  Along with submitting a written prescription from a medical professional, it is important to send a personal note detailing the psychological effect the hair loss has had on you.

How to File Your Initial Claim:

1. Receive a letter or prescription from your doctor for a “Cranial Hair Prosthesis.”  A prescription should include a diagnosis code, we will use this code when generating an invoice for submission to insurance.
2. Use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding Systems (HCPCS) codes: S8095 and A9282.
3. Insurance companies also ask for an NPI Code - this code comes from a doctor.  Have a receipt from the company where you purchased your Cranial Hair Prosthesis. 
4. Also have the company where the piece was purchased include their Tax ID# on any receipts.
5. Have your physician sign off on the insurance claim form.
6. Double check your insurance claim form to make sure you legibly included the following elements:

• The item “Cranial Hair Prosthesis”
• Diagnosis Code
• NPI Code
• The billing HCPCS codes: S8095 and A9282
• The company’s Tax ID #
• Your physician’s signature

Appealing a Denied Claim:

1. Know your rights and be informed. Obtain a copy of your full contract with your insurance company, a complete copy of your insurance policy can often be found online through your providers website.
2. Carefully read and understand the exclusions (“wigs”) and covered items (“Cranial Hair Prosthesis”) in your policy. See if your insurance policy calls it something other than “prosthesis.”
3. Write a letter to the Medical Review Board asking for a review. Be sure to attach a copy of original claims.
4. Emphasize that a wig is a cosmetic item and unnecessary. Prosthesis however, is necessary (comparable to plastic surgery for a burn victim).
5. Address your letter to a supervisor in the Claim Department and ask for a written reply.

*NOTE*

Due to the differences in every individual's insurance policy, this may not work for everyone. This guideline is just for you to reference and to show you how to research if your insurance company covers "Cranial Hair Prosthesis" or something similar. Make sure you review and understand the procedures outlined by your insurance policy as they may differ between carriers.  Keep copies of all documentation including the receipt/invoice for your Cranial Hair Prosthesis (may even be a  tax deductible medical expense).

Helpful resources:

County Department of Social Services

• Depending on your County, sometimes they offer assistance for individuals who qualify and meet certain income guidelines

American Cancer Society

• Apply for a Grant or Voucher up to $75 to cover your Cranial Hair Prosthesis (must apply before purchasing a wig)
• Apply for an allotment to cover the rest of the cost if your insurance company only covers a partial amount
• Financial Assistance for a Wig Purchase: 1-800-227-2345

National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF)

• Pre-purchase program provides financial assistance to those who qualify

When it comes to Human Hair wigs and hair topper maintenance, proper care is key. Please follow our wig care instructions to keep your piece in the best condition possible. 

You should wash your wig or hair topper only as needed. First, secure it to a mannequin head to prevent any slipping during the washing process. Attaching the piece to a mannequin head before washing is the most important step to avoid inversion of the hair through the cap. We recommend using a rubberized, plastic block head as opposed to a styrofoam head. Simply secure the wig to the mannequin head using several small sewing pins strategically placed at the nape and temple areas.

We do not recommend the following:

-Swimming in your wig or hair topper  
-Applying conditioner to the roots
-Applying hair spray
-Sleeping in your wig or hair topper

Step-by-step...

You will need:

• Salon quality shampoo and conditioner
• Argan oil (or salon quality oil for the ends of the hair)
• Round bristle brush
• Wet brush
• Heat protectant spray
• Rubber mannequin head
• T-pins

Wetting The Hair...

Once the hairpiece is secured to the mannequin head, wet the hair by allowing water to run down in the natural direction of the hair from the crown to the ends. Be careful to always rinse using this simple method.

             Tips: 

• Do not use circular motions while wetting hair
• Run water close to the hair

Shampooing...

Place a quarter size amount of shampoo into your hands. Working gently with your fingertips, squeeze the hair to lather the shampoo. Avoid using circular motions while lathering the hair. In addition, be sure to shampoo the inside of the cap. Rinse thoroughly and repeat a second time to ensure your hair piece is free of residue buildup.

             Tips:

• For best results, we recommend using salon quality restorative shampoos and conditioners.

Rinsing...

Rinse the hair thoroughly a second time to ensure all shampoo is removed. As before, accomplish this by running water down from the crown to the ends. Rinse until the water runs clear. This process will take a few minutes.

Conditioning...

Apply a generous amount of conditioner starting at the nape and working up toward the roots, stopping just short of the roots by a half of an inch. Move your hands through the hair gently to evenly distribute the conditioner. Allow the conditioner to absorb into the hair for 3 to 4 minutes. Thoroughly rinse the hair. If you find that a very deep conditioning is necessary, we can provide this service for a slight fee.

Remove Excess Moisture...

Remove the wig from the mannequin. Wrap the hairpiece carefully in a towel, then gently remove excess water by squeezing from root to tip. Comb through the hair using a wide-tooth comb and allow the cap of the wig to air dry.

First….Congratulations on your New Hair!!!!! Since you both are just getting to know each other there are a few very important things that you need to know about your new girl! So please read carefully and of course if you have any questions I am always here to help!

1. NO HEAT!! This is probably the most important thing to know about your girl. She hates the heat! No blow dryer. No curling iron. NO HEAT AT ALL!! And OMG please watch out for the oven!! They hate our hair and within one quick second of opening the oven door it can and most often is deadly to our synthetic girls. (don’t worry your hair will not catch on fire but the heat will singe the hair and there is no coming back from that type of damage) sniffle...sniffle
2. Wide Tooth Comb for styling. You can use any type of wide tooth comb. And take it easy on her-comb her gently and always use a detangler spray to help smooth her out.
3. Wash her every 7-14 wears. If you wear her every day you should wash her once a week-Sundays are always a good washing day. That way she is ready to hit the ground running with you on Monday morning! 
4. Try to only use styling products that are made for her. Shampoo, Conditioner, Detangler, Hairspray, Piece Out Cream and wide tooth comb.
5. If you have a Cat-yep I said Cat-keep your hair away from it. Just like the oven Cats hate our hair too!
6. Be very careful if your lady has a lace front. You do not want to pull on the lace so when you need to adjust her, put her on, take her off, just don’t pull from the front.
7. Speaking of lace fronts-if the lace gets itchy you can dab some face powder on the lace to soften it a bit. If you have issues with the lace showing you can apply a little concealer to the lace so that it blends in with your skin. The same for the lace part.
8. A few other best practices; Don’t wear her to the pool. Try not to work out with her. Put a tight cap or hat over her. Take her to a bonfire. Cook or sleep in her. 
9. If you will be wearing a wig long term you will need to build your chain of command. This is where you have a line up of wigs. For example...1st in command is the top lady and this is your everyday hair. 2nd in command is your labor hair such as running errands or working out in. 3rd in command can be your pool hair. Boat hair..and it goes on and on!

One more thing...have fun with her!!