Need help convincing patients' healthcare insurers that they qualify for reimbursement for hyperhidrosis treatments? The answers to the questions below and the key facts at the bottom of this page can be persuasive.
Consider using either (or both) in appeal letters to health insurers (direct patients to our When You've Been Denied Coverage page).
Additionally, if patients may find it useful to consider comparing out-of-pocket expenses for hyperhidrosis treatments with other sweat-related costs, keeping in mind that treatments that provide relief from symptoms may empower patients to save (or earn) in other areas.
Do patients find themselves spending more money than peers on:
- Dry-cleaning, laundering and/or stain removal?
- New shirts, dresses, shoes, socks, uniforms, hats, helmets, sports equipment, or other apparel/accessories?
- Over-the-counter antiperspirants or powders, specialized clothing, or other products used in attempts to control sweating?
- Pads, "shields", towels, or materials to absorb perspiration?
Have patients ever damaged and/or needed to replace paperwork, technology tools (smart phones, computer keyboards, a computer mouse, tablets or other touch screens), musical instruments, art work or leather goods due to hyperhidrosis?
Has excessive sweating affected income or potential for career advancement? Have patients lost time from work for medical appointments for in-office iontophoresis treatments that could be done at home?
What about social and emotional wellbeing? Has hyperhidrosis affected mental wellness or quality of life? These costs are hard to measure, but help to tell the whole story of the cost of hyperhidrosis, and to illustrate the value of effective treatments.
Key Facts About the Hidden Costs of Hyperhidrosis
- There are approximately 15.3 million individuals living with hyperhidrosis (Hh) in the U.S. (Archives of Dermatological Research 2016)
- Hyperhidrosis' impact on quality of life is equal or greater than that of psoriasis, severe acne, Darier's disease, Hailey-Hailey disease, vitiligo and chronic pruritus. (Eur Med J Neurol 2001)
- The prevalence of anxiety and depression is significantly higher in those with Hh than those without Hh (21.3% vs 7.5% and 27.2% vs 9.7%, respectively). (J Am Acad Dermatol 2016)
- 20% of hyperhidrosis sufferers report problems using computer keyboards, a computer mouse, mobile phones and touch screens. (Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2017)
- 80% of Hh sufferers say they are dissatisfied with their abilities at work; 42% say that Hh prevents them from following a particular career path; 30% say they become frustrated with daily activities. (Brit J Dermatol 2002 & Dermatology 2006)
- Hh sufferers have a 300% greater risk of skin infections. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2009)
- 60% of Hh sufferers report negative impacts on general health. (Archives of Dermatological Research 2016)
- 40% of Hh sufferers report physical discomfort. (Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2017)
- 5% of Hh sufferers indicate they take antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications due to their sweating. (Brit J Dermatol 2002)