An estimated 700,000 American women undergo tubal ligation each year, making it the most common form of contraception in the United States. Typically done under general anesthesia, tubal ligations require an abdominal incision and 4 to 6 days of recovery time.

The Essure^TM system by Conceptus, which is approved by the FDA, offers women an alternative for permanent birth control, with a less invasive procedure and quicker recovery time. United Healthcare is now covering Essure^TM.

What is Essure^TM?

The Essure^TM procedure is a nonincisional surgical procedure that involves placing a small, flexible device call a micro-insert into each of your fallopian tubes. Blocking the tubes is intended to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg, thereby preventing pregnancy.

Who Can Perform This Procedure?

Richard Waldman, M.D., James Brown, Jr. M.D., and Douglass Powell, M.D. have been be trained in this new procedure. They were selected by Conceptus for their excellent hysteroscopic skills.

How is the Procedure Done?

The Essure^TM system deploys a soft micro-insert into the fallopian tube through the cervix using a minimally invasive transcervical tubal access catheter. Once in place, the device is designed to elicit tissue growth in and around the micro-insert to form a blockage in the fallopian tube. 

View the Essure Procedure Demo

What Are the Benefits?

• The Essure^TM procedure does not require incisions. 
• Because there are no incisions, the Essure^TM procedure does not cause scaring.
• The Essure^TM procedure can be performed in a doctors office without general anesthesia. 
• The Essure^TM micro-inserts do not contain or release any hormones.
• Following the procedure, a woman is expected to return home in about 45 minutes.
• Majority of women resumed work in 24 hours or less.
• Majority of women returned to normal activities in 1 to 2 days.
• While no method of contraception is 100% effective, none of the women who relied on Essure^TM for contraception during the clinical trials period become pregnant.

Does Insurance Cover the Essure^TM Procedure?

Currently, the following plans cover the Essure^TM procedure:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Anthem
• Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield 
• HealthNow
• MVP
• Pomco
• RMSCO
• Service Employees Benefit Fund
• United Healthcare

The following plans are currently not covering this procedure:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (DXP Prefix-New Venture Gear Employees)
• Cigna
• Upstate Administrative Services

For more information, please visit the Essure^TM site at www.essure.com.

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