The medical necessity for treatment of port-wine stains.

[BACKGROUND] Port-wine stains are congenital vascular malformations that can be disfiguring and may lead to psychosocial as well as medical complications. The 585-nm pulsed dye laser is very effective in treating port-wine stains. Laser treatment is often viewed by insurance companies as a "cosmetic procedure" and not "medically necessary". Consequently many patients are denied coverage for treatment of their disfiguring birthmarks.

[OBJECTIVE] To determine variability of insurance coverage for laser treatment of port-wine stains from state to state. Natural history, progression, and potential complications of port-wine stains are reviewed and rationale for consistent insurance coverage for laser treatment of port-wine stains is given.

[METHODS] A questionnaire was mailed to 40 dermatologic surgeons in 22 states and the District of Columbia. We reviewed the literature regarding port-wine stains and their potential complications, and health care policy guidelines regarding "medical necessity" and "cosmetic procedures".

[RESULTS] Insurance coverage for laser treatment of port-wine stains varies from state to state.

[CONCLUSION] Based on current health care policy guidelines, laser treatment of port-wine stains should be regarded, and covered, as a medical necessity by all insurance providers.