(a) Reconstructive surgery shall be covered under this chapter, as defined in subdivision (c), when necessary to achieve the purposes specified in paragraphs (1) or (2) of subdivision (c). Nothing in this section shall be construed to require 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) “Reconstructive surgery” means surgery performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease to do either of the following:

(1) To improve function.

(2) To create a normal appearance, to the extent possible.

(d) “Cosmetic surgery” means surgery that is performed to alter or reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance.

(e) In connection with the interpretation of the definition of reconstructive surgery, a proposed surgical procedure may be subject to prior authorization and utilization review that may include, but need not be limited to, denial under any of the following circumstances:

(1) There is another more appropriate surgical procedure that will be approved for the enrollee.

(2) The procedure or procedures offer only a minimal improvement in the appearance of the enrollee, as defined in regulations adopted by the department.

(3) Denial of payment for procedures performed without prior authorization.

(f) This section shall become operative July 1, 1999.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 788, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1999. Section operative July 1, 1999, by its own provisions.)