The proposed 'botax' is off the table

December 2009 | www.parungao.com

Oak Brook & Naperville: 630.794.0700 · Vernon Hills: 847.367.8815

Have you heard about the “botax”—the last-minute add-on to the massive Senate healthcare proposal that would charge a 5% tax on surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks and Botox?

Thanks to a concerted effort by physicians and consumers, the botax has been taken out of the Senate health care reform bill—for the time being. However, it is possible that this cosmetic tax could be added back into the bill before final passage. That's why we're keeping up our efforts to voice opposition to this proposed tax.

What exactly is the botax?

The botax is a 5% tax that would apply to any cosmetic procedure received from a physician, whether or not covered by insurance, if one of its goals is to “improve the patient's appearance” and the procedure is not considered to “meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease.”

What effect would the botax have on you?

“The botax would make it harder for patients to afford everything from Mommy Makeovers and facelifts to Juvéderm—at a time when many people's budgets are stretched to the limit,” says Dr. Parungao. “Why should people be taxed for self-improvement?”

The botax would discriminate against middle-class women. This is not a tax that would predominantly affect the wealthy. According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 86% of cosmetic plastic surgery patients are women—60% of whom have incomes between $30,000 and $90,000.
The botax does not serve health care reform goals. This proposed measure would not reduce premiums, improve access to health care, make health care more affordable to the middle class or reduce the general cost of health care.

Many patients and physicians oppose the botax

A nationwide survey by Opinion Research Corporation reports that 64% of respondents believe the botax has no place in health care reform, as cosmetic surgical and non-surgical treatments are not covered by health insurance and the tax will have a disproportionate effect on middle-class women.

ASPS and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are actively opposing this proposed tax as discrimatory, arbitrary and ineffective.

“Taxing medical procedures sets a dangerous precedent by inviting the Internal Revenue Service into the physician-patient relationship and allowing the government to make decisions regarding medical necessity,” said ASPS President Michael McGuire, MD.

Have a smoother new year—
Save with our laser hair removal packages

Good news! Just in time for the new year, we've lowered the prices of our laser hair removal packages. Each package includes up to eight treatments.

	Upper lip:	$ 300
	Upper lip & chin:	$ 500
	Underarms:	$ 600
	Custom bikini:	$ 800
	Brazilian bikini:	$1,200
	Full back:	$2,000
	Full legs:	$2,000

Call 630.794.0700 today to schedule an appointment.

My skin gets so dry during the winter. Is there anything I can do to help it besides using moisturizers?

Yes. At our skin care spa, our aestheticians offer medical-grade skin care treatments such as Vibraderm. This gentle alternative to microdermabrasion can remove dead skin cells, revealing the younger, fresher and softer layers of your skin for a more radiant complexion.

For an appointment, call 630.794.0700.

Have a question? Ask Dr. Parungao.

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Previous issues of Body Beautiful e-newsletter:

March 2011
Want to look sexier in a bikini this summer?

February 2011
Laser hair reduction makes grooming a breeze

December 2010
Embarrassed by flabby upper arms?

October 2010
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September 2010
Most breast reduction surgery can be covered by insurance - September 2010

July 2010
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June 2010
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May 2010
On-Q(R) Post-Op Pain Relief System makes recovering from surgery a breeze - May 2010

May 2010 Special Edition
Get Botox? Allergan's Brilliant DistinctionsTM Program earns you valuable rewards! - May 2010 special edition

April 2010
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March 2010
Diabetic mom gets a Mommy Makeover - March 2010

February 2010 Special Edition
Save on new Juvederm XC - February 2010 special edition

January 2010
Save big on Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse and Latisse - January 2010

December 2009
The proposed 'botax' is off the table - December 2009

November 2009
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October 2009
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August 2009
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July 2009
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June 2009
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May 2009
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December 2008 Special Edition
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April 2008
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February 2008
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January 2008
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October 2007
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September 2007
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August 2007
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July 2007
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June 2007
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December 2006
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