Think Pinker

The common method of dealing with mastecomy is to reconstruct the breast during the same surgery. In times past, women would have to put up with the emotions related to not having a breast after the stress of cancer and surgery because their insurance companies refused to pay for reconstruction. Fortunately, most insurance companies now cover some form of reconstruction surgery.

Breast implants are the most common form of breast reconstruction surgery done. They work well for most patients, restoring normal looking breasts quickly, allowing women to at least avoid the embarrassment of not having a breast.

New procedures are being developed all the time that give alternatives to women who are unable to have good outcomes with implants. As insurance companies expand coverage for these new procedures, women are the benficiaries.

What can you do if you have questions? Contact your health insurance provider. They have experts on hand to discuss your coverage options.

Sometimes, health insurance companies will call breast reconstruction an experimental procedure. This is convenient for the insurance company because most companies deny coverage for experimental procedures. Does that mean you should give up if your insurance company refuses to cover your specific prodedure? No. Ask a representative how you can request a re-evaluation.