Breast reconstruction
surgery is often covered, but surgery that isn't covered will cost thousands of dollars.
Breast reconstruction after an extensive lumpectomy (wide excision of the tumor) or mastectomy (complete removal of one or both breasts) is a cosmetic option that can help women gain self-esteem after disfiguring cancer surgery. For women whose insurance coverage does not come under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, the cost of breast reconstruction surgery can be daunting.
Significance
Reconstruction methods vary. You should discuss the options with a qualified plastic surgeon. In some cases, during the course of many weeks, your skin will need special conditioning with saline, after which an implant (either silicone or saline) will be installed. Alternatively, a procedure called flap reconstruction uses tissue, including muscle, fat and skin, from elsewhere on the body to create a sleeve in which to house the implant or form a new stand-alone breast.
Cost
According to the website Plastic Surgery Portal, the least costly breast reconstruction surgery runs about $5,000, whereas the most costly is around $9,000. It depends on the particular procedure. The national average tends to be $7,000 as of June 2010.
WHCRA Rights
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires that insurers that cover breast cancer surgery are required to provide related services. These include covering all phases of breast reconstruction related to cancer surgery, use of any prostheses and treatment of any complications, of which lymphedema (fluid retention in the lymph nodes) is common.
Considerations
If you find yourself facing surgery for a mastectomy, talk to your insurance company and be clear about what is and is not covered for breast reconstruction under your plan. If you find that your provider does not cover reconstruction, you have other options, including financing. Among the companies that offer financing plans for health-related issues are Capital One Healthcare and CareCredit.
Factors That Affect Cost
Many elements will affect the cost of breast reconstruction surgery. It depends on which method is being used, whether one or both breasts are involved, whether the reconstruction surgery occurs at the same time that the mastectomy or lumpectomy is happening or weeks afterward, the surgeon's location and whether complications arise during reconstruction.
Tags: reconstruction surgery, breast reconstruction, breast reconstruction surgery, cancer surgery, both breasts, Cancer Rights, Cancer Rights 1998
