Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments can take a toll on a patient’s stamina and self-confidence, in addition to the strain put on the body. Patients undergoing treatments want to get their lives back to the way they were as quickly as possible, and a cancer wig can help. Wigs for cancer patients restore self-esteem and make patients feel more like themselves during a difficult time, as well as help ease recovery after treatments. Many insurance companies agree and even cover these wigs, some up to 50% of the cost.
When shopping for a wig to replace your hair loss, it’s important to work with a professional salon you trust like Wig Elegance. There are steps you can take to make sure that your cancer wig matches your previous hair –in color, cut and texture – and to make your transition as seamless as possible. Before you lose your hair or choose to shave it, try to save a section of hair from the top of your head. Bring the sample to the salon with you, in addition to a picture of you in your favorite hair style. These personal snippets really help stylists select the most natural wig for you.
But keep in mind that this can be a great opportunity to experiment and have fun with new styles and colors. With hairpieces and wigs, you can change your style almost daily without any commitment. Be a fiery red head one day and a blond bombshell the next! Wearing a wig can be a fun, easy way to restore some sense of normalcy when going through a traumatic cancer diagnosis and treatment plan, and can help patients look to the future after treatments.
Working with Insurance
When working with your medical insurance, it’s important to know the specific terminology and codes for wigs for cancer patients. Wigs that are needed after medical illness or treatment are called “cranial prosthesis.” To start an insurance claim, your doctor will need to write a prescription for a cranial prosthesis and include details of your specific diagnosis and treatment. Then when you select your wig, it’s helpful to work with a salon that knows how to work with insurance companies. For instance, we’ve recognized that the common insurance code for a cranial prosthesis is S8095, or A9282 in the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).
The team at Wig Elegance has been assisting cancer patients with their wigs for over 50 years. If you are preparing to lose your hair due to treatments or you’re battling hair loss now, we can help restore your self-confidence with wigs. Call 215-945-4900 to set up a private appointment and personalized fitting. We specialize in private parties, and even hospital calls. We’re always “hair” for you!