What happens if my endometriosis is left untreated?
Brief Story
This blog was born from a simple but powerful question: Why is it so hard for women with endometriosis in New York to get the care they deserve? After seeing firsthand how many patients are denied proper insurance coverage, referrals, or even a correct diagnosis, we created this space to close the gap between healthcare and awareness.
Who It’s For
This blog is for New Yorkers living with endometriosis, or suspecting they might have it, who want clear, practical answers. Whether you’re searching for an insurance that actually covers excision surgery, looking for a specialist in your borough, or trying to understand your rights as a patient, this site is for you.
Our Mission
To help New Yorkers with endometriosis access affordable, life-changing care by simplifying insurance, sharing doctor insights, and fighting for better coverage.
Top Endometriosis Specialist in New York State
Tamer Seckin, MD – Endometriosis Specialist, co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America
Finding the right endometriosis specialist is crucial to receiving accurate diagnosis and effective long-term care. New York is home to some of the nation’s leading experts in advanced laparoscopic excision surgery, deep infiltrating endometriosis, and fertility-preserving treatments. These specialists often work in top-tier hospitals and private clinics, offering both surgical and non-surgical options tailored to each patient’s unique condition.
One renowned expert is Dr. Tamer Seckin of Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Seckin has pioneered techniques like the Aqua Blue Excision method to enhance lesion detection during surgery. Specialists like him not only bring surgical precision but also advocate for women’s health, aiming to reduce the delay in diagnosis and improve quality of life for those living with endometriosis.
Dr. Andrea Vidali – Master Robotic Excision Surgeon
Dr. Andrea Vidali is a renowned reproductive endocrinologist and expert in reproductive immunology, bringing over two decades of experience in advanced minimally invasive robotic surgery for endometriosis. He specializes in treating pain, infertility, implantation failure, and recurrent pregnancy loss particularly focusing on cases of silent endometriosis, which often go undiagnosed in patients with failed IVF cycles.
A former director of multiple academic divisions in New York and New Jersey, Dr. Vidali trained at Columbia University and later collaborated with pioneers in endometriosis surgery, including Dr. Harry Reich, Dr. C.Y. Liu, and Dr. Tamer Seckin. His work continues to shape the field of fertility-preserving excision surgery and immune-related infertility care in New York State and beyond.
Top 6 Health Insurance Providers in New York
Here are the Top 6 health insurance providers in New York known to cover excision surgery for endometriosis, particularly when deemed medically necessary by an in-network specialist:
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
- Coverage: UHC typically covers excision surgery for endometriosis if it’s medically necessary and pre-authorized.
- Notes: Look for in-network surgeons specializing in excision. Prior authorization is often required. Some NYSHIP plans also operate under UHC.
- Plan Types: PPO, HMO, EPO
BlueCross BlueShield (Empire BCBS of NY)
- Coverage: Covers laparoscopic excision when conservative treatments fail or if the patient has severe pain/infertility.
- Notes: Many top NY gynecologic surgeons accept BCBS PPO plans.
- Plan Types: PPO plans offer best access to top out-of-network excision specialists.
Aetna
- Coverage: Covers excision when medically indicated. Often requires prior authorization and surgical notes.
- Notes: Good network in NYC; check for plans that cover out-of-network providers if your surgeon is not in-network.
- Plan Types: PPO and high-tier EPO plans offer broader access.
Cigna
- Coverage: Covers laparoscopic excision if conservative treatments are unsuccessful and diagnosis is confirmed.
- Notes: Requires documentation, often after MRI or ultrasound. Some excision specialists in NY accept Cigna PPO.
- Plan Types: Best with PPO and Open Access Plus.
NYSHIP (New York State Health Insurance Program)
- Coverage: NYSHIP covers excision surgery for state employees and their dependents, often under The Empire Plan.
- Notes: Prior authorization is mandatory. Finding an in-network excision expert within NYSHIP can be a challenge, but possible.
- Plan Types: The Empire Plan (Administered by UHC, BCBS, and others)
Oscar Health
- Coverage: Covers laparoscopic and excision surgeries when medically necessary.
- Strength: Growing NYC presence with user-friendly app support.
- Tip: Confirm network providers; newer plans may have narrower networks.