What Is a Cranial Prosthesis?
A cranial prosthesis—commonly known as a medical wig—is a custom-designed hair replacement system created for individuals who have experienced hair loss due to medical conditions or treatments. Unlike cosmetic wigs, cranial prostheses are crafted to meet medical standards, ensuring comfort, durability, and scalp protection for sensitive or compromised skin.
What Is the Difference Between a Medical Wig and a Cosmetic Wig?
- Medical Wig (Cranial Prosthesis):
Designed for individuals with medically diagnosed hair loss (such as alopecia, chemotherapy, or lupus). These wigs are lightweight, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Each prosthesis is tailored to fit the exact contour of the scalp, secured for comfort, and created to mimic natural hair growth. They are prescribed by a licensed medical professional and often covered by health insurance. - Cosmetic Wig:
Aesthetic-only wigs designed primarily for fashion or style changes. These are not intended for medical use, may lack medical-grade materials, and are typically not eligible for insurance reimbursement.
Why Will Insurance Cover a Cranial Prosthesis?
Insurance companies recognize hair loss from medical conditions as a legitimate healthcare need. A cranial prosthesis is not considered vanity—it’s part of emotional and physical healing. When properly coded and prescribed by a physician, it falls under Durable Medical Equipment (DME) or Prosthetic Devices coverage.
Common insurance codes include:
- HCPCS Code A9282: Wig, cranial prosthesis, custom-made
- HCPCS Code L9900: Miscellaneous prosthetic services
Coverage typically applies to individuals with:
- Alopecia Areata, Totalis, or Universalis
- Chemotherapy-induced alopecia
- Trichotillomania
- Scarring alopecia (Lupus, Lichen Planus)
- Thyroid-related hair loss
- Burn or trauma-related hair loss
Why Must a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist Be Board Certified?
A Board-Certified Cranial Prosthesis Specialist is trained to assess scalp health, measure properly for a secure medical fit, and ensure materials meet DME (Durable Medical Equipment) standards. Certification signifies compliance with healthcare regulations, patient safety standards, and medical-grade sanitation protocols.
Only certified specialists can legally:
- Provide DME-classified prosthetic devices
- File medical claims
- Maintain HIPAA compliance in patient documentation
What Are NPI, PTAN, SAM, DUNS, and Unique Entity Numbers—and Why Do They Matter?
To operate legally as a DME supplier and file insurance claims, a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist must register with several federal and healthcare agencies:
| Credential | Meaning | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| NPI (National Provider Identifier) | Unique ID number for healthcare providers. | Required for insurance billing and recognition as a medical supplier. |
| PTAN (Provider Transaction Access Number) | Issued by Medicare. | Authorizes DME suppliers to submit claims to Medicare. |
| DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) | Business verification number issued by Dun & Bradstreet. | Confirms legitimacy of business for government contracting. |
| SAM (System for Award Management) | Federal business registration system. | Enables eligibility for federal reimbursements and grants. |
| Unique Entity ID | Replaces the DUNS for federal identification. | Required for government registration and compliance. |
These credentials distinguish a legitimate medical provider from a retail wig seller—ensuring patients receive professional, insurable care.
Types of Cranial Prosthesis Wigs Offered
Each prosthesis is handcrafted for your unique needs, scalp sensitivity, and lifestyle preferences.
1. Medical-Grade Lace Wigs
- Material: Swiss or HD lace
- Benefits: Natural hairline appearance, lightweight, and breathable
- Price Range: $850 – $2,500 depending on customization
2. Medical-Grade Skin (Polyurethane) Wigs
- Material: Thin, skin-like silicone base
- Benefits: Seamless scalp illusion, ideal for total hair loss
- Price Range: $1,200 – $3,000
3. Hybrid Cranial Prosthesis
- Material: Combination of lace front and polyurethane perimeter
- Benefits: Secure hold, natural look, and maximum comfort
- Price Range: $1,500 – $3,800
4. Human Hair Cranial Prosthesis
- Material: 100% Virgin Human Hair or European Remy
- Benefits: Natural texture and styling versatility
- Price Range: $2,000 – $6,000+ (varies by length, density, and customization)
5. Synthetic Cranial Prosthesis
- Material: Medical-grade synthetic fiber
- Benefits: Low maintenance, budget-friendly, and heat-resistant options available
- Price Range: $600 – $1,200
All cranial prostheses are medical-grade, hand-tied, and fully customizable with hypoallergenic bases.
How Do I Get a Cranial Prosthesis Through Insurance?
- Obtain a diagnosis letter from your physician stating your medical hair loss condition.
- Ask your doctor for a prescription for a “Cranial Prosthesis.”
- Submit documentation and insurance information to our office.
- We will verify coverage, submit a pre-authorization, and guide you through your claim process.
Support & Healing Communities
You’re not alone in this journey. These organizations provide emotional support, education, and connection:
- National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) – http://www.naaf.org
- American Cancer Society Wig Program – http://www.cancer.org
- Locks of Love – http://www.locksoflove.org
- Look Good Feel Better – http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
- The Alopecia Support Group (Facebook) – Peer support for women navigating hair loss
Final Encouragement
Within faith, discover the light that reveals what sorrow cannot obscure – your radiant beauty, your deep-seated strength, and your boundless worth. The very threads you cherish intricately weave a narrative of steadfast resilience, a vivid testament to your wholeness, grace, and magnificent completion. Embrace each unit as an extension of the greatness in you.
– Apostle LaRika Smith, Cranial Prosthesis Specialist