Sunscreen

[SLuskin]

Has anyone approved a claim for sunscreen? In South Florida, everyone is advised to wear sunscreen every day. We have a claim from an attorney (actually a litigator) who bought sunscreen at his dermatologist. We were not able to develop a history of skin cancer. We have denied the claim, but want some other input in case he appeals. Thanks for your help.

[papogi]

This is one of those dual purpose OTC items. If the sunscreen is to treat a medical condition, and the claimant can produce a physician's prescription or written direction, it appears that most claims processors are allowing it under those circumstances.

[SLuskin]

Thanks, Papogi. As you can imagine, here sunscreen is like an American Express Card (don't leave home without it), so we may tend to be a little tougher on that than some of the other dual purpose otc that we encounter.

[Alf]

I would say general health, like toothpaste, so deny. Our plan does not permit dual purpose items even if it is prescribed and it eliminates some of the confulsion of OTC remibursement.