Visitors Guide
Cranial Prosthetics in Los Angeles: A Referral Guide for Patients
Last reviewed: October 20, 2026
For patients facing hair loss from chemotherapy, alopecia or other medical conditions, and for families visiting a loved one in treatment at Cedars-Sinai or UCLA. This guide covers where to go, how insurance works and what may be tax deductible. Our referral is Tallie Wigs.
Our referral
Tallie Wigs, cranial prosthetics on West 3rd Street
Tallie is a woman from our community who has been making sheitels for years and is now well known among doctors and oncologists for her medical work. Her pieces are often called the Rolls Royce of cranial prosthetics: hand ventilated human hair, measured and fitted for one patient, in a private shop with one client at a time. Read more about Tallie and her custom cranial prosthesis service in Los Angeles.
The shop is a few blocks east of Cedars-Sinai, convenient for patients and families coming from Cedars-Sinai, UCLA and oncology and dermatology practices across the Westside.
We are grateful to Tallie for her generous support of Bait Aaron.
Address and appointments
8362 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Private, by appointment only, in the shop or by video. Book through Tallie Wigs, custom cranial prosthetics in Los Angeles or the appointments page.
Medical hair loss
Cranial prosthetics for chemotherapy and alopecia
A cranial prosthesis is a custom hair prosthesis made for medical hair loss. Tallie makes them for women going through chemotherapy, for alopecia, and for children with medical hair loss. See her cranial prosthesis page and the medical wig collection.
Many patients ask their oncologist or dermatologist about a wig before treatment starts. Ask early, since a custom piece is easiest to match while you still have your own hair. For Shabbat and family support at the hospital, see Shabbat at Cedars-Sinai.
Insurance
How to ask insurance to cover a cranial prosthesis
- Check your plan first. Call the number on your card and ask whether it covers a cranial prosthesis or scalp hair prosthesis, and what paperwork it needs. Some states require certain plans to cover one for cancer patients. Original Medicare generally does not cover wigs, and a Medicare Advantage plan may, so ask your plan.
- Get a prescription. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for a “cranial prosthesis” (not a “wig”), with the diagnosis, for example alopecia from chemotherapy or alopecia areata.
- Include the codes. The doctor adds the ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Wigs are commonly billed under HCPCS code A9282, and some plans ask for L8499.
- Add a letter of medical necessity if your plan asks for one, explaining why the prosthesis is needed.
- Keep an itemized receipt that names the item as a cranial prosthesis, with the provider details.
- Submit the claim with the prescription, letter and receipt, and keep copies.
- Appeal if it is denied. Ask for the reason in writing, and resubmit with any missing paperwork.
More detail: wig insurance reimbursement and the complete guide to cranial prosthesis coverage.
Taxes
Tax deductions, HSA and FSA
IRS Publication 502 says: “You can include in medical expenses the cost of a wig purchased upon the advice of a physician for the mental health of a patient who has lost all of their hair from disease.” You can deduct only the part of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, and only if you itemize on Schedule A.
A cranial prosthesis with a prescription is usually an eligible HSA or FSA expense. Keep the prescription and itemized receipt. See HSA and FSA for a cranial prosthesis and writing off a medical wig. Every situation is different, so please check with a tax professional.
Good to know
For patients and families in Los Angeles for treatment
- Start before treatment if you can. A custom piece takes a consultation, 1 to 5 business days of work and a fitting.
- Bring your paperwork. Ask for the prescription early, and see how to measure for a cap if you start by video.
- From out of town? Virtual consultations and nationwide shipping are available.
- Staying near the hospital? See Shabbat at Cedars-Sinai, Shabbat in Los Angeles, Shabbat in Beverly Hills and kosher food.
- Daven with us. See minyan times, upcoming events and the Rav’s services.
Questions patients ask
What is a cranial prosthesis?
A cranial prosthesis is a custom hair prosthesis made for medical hair loss, such as hair loss from chemotherapy or alopecia. With a doctor’s prescription, many health plans and HSA or FSA accounts treat it as a medical item.
Where can I get a cranial prosthesis near Cedars-Sinai?
Tallie Wigs, at 8362 W 3rd St in Los Angeles, a few blocks east of Cedars-Sinai, makes custom cranial prostheses by private appointment.
Can I start if I am only in Los Angeles for treatment?
Yes. Tallie Wigs finishes each piece in 1 to 5 business days, with a final fitting in the shop. Virtual consultations and nationwide shipping are also available.
Will my insurance cover a cranial prosthesis?
Many plans cover part of the cost with a doctor’s prescription for a cranial prosthesis, a diagnosis code and an itemized receipt. Coverage varies by plan, so check your benefits first and appeal if a claim is denied. Original Medicare generally does not cover wigs, and a Medicare Advantage plan may, so ask your plan.
Can I deduct a cranial prosthesis on my taxes?
IRS Publication 502 lets you include the cost of a wig bought on a doctor’s advice for the mental health of a patient who has lost all of their hair from disease. You must itemize, and only medical expenses above 7.5% of adjusted gross income count. Ask a tax professional about your situation.
In a hard time, the Rav is here for families. See Kaddish, yahrzeits and names and our visitors questions.
Sources
- IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses: “You can include in medical expenses the cost of a wig purchased upon the advice of a physician for the mental health of a patient who has lost all of their hair from disease.” Also the 7.5% of AGI rule.
- IRS Publication 969, HSAs and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans: qualified medical expenses are those that would generally qualify for the medical and dental expenses deduction.
- Medicare.gov, prosthetic devices: what Part B covers as a prosthetic device. Wigs are not listed.
- CMS, HCPCS coding system, where code A9282 is “Wig, any type, each.”
- National Cancer Institute, hair loss and cancer treatment, including getting a wig while you still have hair to match the color.
- Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 175, Section 47T: an example of a state law on scalp hair prostheses needed due to cancer or leukemia treatment.