Schnur Scale Breast Reduction Calculator

Determine if breast reduction surgery meets medical necessity criteria based on the Schnur Scale, which correlates body surface area with minimum tissue removal requirements.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the patient's height in centimeters
Enter the patient's weight in kilograms
Enter the planned amount of tissue to be removed per breast in grams
Select whether the reduction is unilateral (single breast) or bilateral (both breasts)
Click Calculate to see if the procedure meets medical necessity criteria

Formula Used

BSA = 0.007184 × Height^0.725 × Weight^0.425

Where:

BSA = Body Surface Area in square meters (m²)
Height = Patient's height in centimeters (cm)
Weight = Patient's weight in kilograms (kg)

The Schnur Scale then correlates the BSA with minimum tissue removal requirements to determine medical necessity.

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A 165 cm tall woman weighing 68 kg is planning to have 400 grams of tissue removed from each breast.

Given:

Height = 165 cm
Weight = 68 kg
Tissue Removal = 400 g per breast
Reduction Type = Bilateral

Calculation:

BSA = 0.007184 × 165^0.725 × 68^0.425 = 1.74 m²

According to the Schnur Scale, a patient with a BSA of 1.74 m² needs a minimum of 344 grams per breast for medical necessity.

Result: The planned removal of 400 grams per breast exceeds the minimum requirement of 344 grams, so the procedure meets medical necessity criteria.

Why This Calculation Matters

Practical Applications

Insurance coverage determination for breast reduction surgery
Pre-operative planning for plastic surgeons
Documentation for medical necessity claims
Standardized assessment across healthcare providers

Key Benefits

Objective criteria for medical necessity determination
Reduces subjective judgment in insurance approvals
Helps patients understand eligibility requirements
Provides consistent standards across healthcare systems

Common Mistakes & Tips

Using incorrect units (e.g., pounds instead of kilograms, inches instead of centimeters) will lead to inaccurate BSA calculations. Always double-check that you're using the correct units as specified in the calculator.

The Schnur Scale requires the amount of tissue to be removed per breast, not the total amount. For bilateral reductions, ensure you're entering the amount per breast, not the combined total for both breasts.

While the Schnur Scale provides objective criteria, insurance companies may consider additional factors such as symptoms (back pain, rashes, etc.), previous treatments, and other medical documentation. The calculator is a tool, not a guarantee of coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Schnur Scale is a tool developed by Dr. Schnur to help determine if breast reduction surgery is medically necessary. It correlates a patient's body surface area with the minimum amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed to qualify for insurance coverage.

The calculator uses the standard Du Bois formula for BSA calculation and the established Schnur Scale criteria. However, insurance companies may have their own specific requirements or modifications to the scale. Always check with your specific insurance provider for their exact criteria.

No, meeting the Schnur Scale criteria is typically a requirement but not a guarantee of insurance coverage. Insurance companies may require additional documentation of symptoms, previous conservative treatments, and other medical necessity factors. Always consult with your insurance provider for their specific requirements.

References & Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The results should not be used as a substitute for professional medical judgment, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice and treatment.

References

Schnur SL, et al. "Reduction mammaplasty: An outcome study." Plast Reconstr Surg. 1991. - Original publication introducing the Schnur Scale criteria
American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast Reduction - Comprehensive information about breast reduction surgery
Chang P, et al. "An outcome analysis of reduction mammaplasty." Ann Plast Surg. 2002. - Validation and application of the Schnur Scale in clinical practice

Accuracy Notice

This calculator uses standard formulas and criteria, but insurance companies may have their own specific requirements or modifications to the Schnur Scale. The results should be verified with your specific insurance provider and healthcare professional. The creators of this calculator are not responsible for decisions made based on its results.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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health womens-health-wellness schnur scale breast reduction medical body

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