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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 10:33:49 AM

I paid out of pocket for surgery, used a 3rd party broker to arrange. I only have a receipt from the broker who paid everything directly. Can I still deduct this surgery

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16 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 10:33:50 AM

It would depend on whether or not this surgery is a deductible expense.

 For instance, cosmetic surgery isn't deductible, unless it's to correct or improve a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease. Also, illegal procedures aren't deductible.

Otherwise, you would need to show the receipt from the broker and other records from the surgeon to establish that you paid for a deductible medical procedure.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 10:33:51 AM

The surgery was for a penile implant to correct ED after prostate surgery. No receipts from doctor, hospital, etc. Just the one receipt from the broker. How can I find out if this type of surgery is deductible. I think it is paid for by medicare for those folks that are on it.

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 10:33:53 AM

Yes, you are correct about Medicare. Under the circumstances you describe, this would be a deductible expense, on the order of breast implants following breast cancer surgery.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 10:33:55 AM

So I would just use the receipt from the broker as documentation of the cost? Correct?

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 10:33:57 AM

Yes, but be prepared to back that up by records of the surgery. I'm assuming that the broker's receipt shows that your payment was for surgery, and remitted to a licensed medical practitioner.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 10:33:59 AM

Yes that is correct about the broker.  Would the documentation from the doctor for my leave paperwork be adequate to back up the fact that  I did have the surgery?

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 10:33:59 AM

What is leave paperwork?

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 10:34:01 AM

The leave paperwork is what I go from the doctor to give my employer so I could get medical leave to miss work to have the surgery.  It is the FMLA paperwork.

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 10:34:01 AM

Thanks, that sounds like it would establish the medical reason for the expense. Mind you, this would only be used if the IRS was to question the expense at some future date.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 10:34:03 AM

You have been an awesome help and have a great day. Now to get on with my taxes!

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 10:34:04 AM

Great, glad to help!

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 10:34:05 AM

Oh! One other thing. Are travel expenses related to this deductible as well.  I had to travel a few hundred miles from my home while this was done.

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 10:34:07 AM

Yes, travel for medical purposes is deductible at 17 cents/mile.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 10:34:08 AM

Hotel stay also?

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 10:34:09 AM
New Member
Jun 1, 2019 10:34:10 AM

Hi me again 🙂 Hearing aids are deductible also, correct?