Does insurance cover DIEP flap reconstruction?

YES! The Women’s Health and Cancer Right Act, signed in 1998, is a federal law that mandates coverage for breast cancer care. This includes: Reconstruction of the breast removed by mastectomy with a breast implant or a DIEP flap.

Does insurance cover breast reconstruction surgery?

The Federal law This federal law requires most group insurance plans that cover mastectomies to also cover breast reconstruction. It was signed into law on October 21, 1998. The United States Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services oversee this law.

How much does a DIEP procedure cost?

The researchers determined that the incremental cost of a DIEP flap reconstruction was $21,613 for unilateral reconstructions and $19,052 for bilateral procedures compared with implants.

Who qualifies for DIEP surgery?

What determines if I am a candidate for a DIEP or GAP flap? You are a candidate for a DIEP flap reconstruction if the amount of fat you have on your lower abdomen is sufficient to reconstruct one or both breasts to the desired volume. The tissue used is that which is often removed during tummy tucks.

How much does it cost to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction?

How Much Does a Double Mastectomy Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Double Mastectomy ranges from $2,944 to $17,730. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

How much is breast reconstruction surgery without implants?

Without health insurance, breast reconstruction with “flap” techniques (using tissue from the patient’s own body to create new breasts) typically costs $25,000 to $50,000 or more per breast, or $50,000 to $100,000 for both sides.

Is DIEP flap same as tummy tuck?

While we often say that a DIEP Flap procedure is like getting a tummy tuck, the focus of the surgery is natural breast reconstruction. Some patients may see results with the same toning and tightening as a tummy tuck, but others may not see drastic changes to their midsection.

Do you lose weight after DIEP flap?

If your weight goals change after surgery and you lose weight, no worries! Your newly reconstructed breasts will react to your weight loss changes similarly to how your natural breasts would have. If you lose weight after DIEP surgery, your reconstructed breasts will likely decrease in size as well.

What BMI do you need for DIEP flap?

Studies have shown that DIEP flap surgery is safe for patients with a BMI over 35. However, complications and wound healing risk can greatly increase as the BMI calculations rise over 35. For patients whose BMI is above 35, we recommend losing weight prior to surgery.

Is DIEP flap better than implants?

In general, the studies found better quality of life and breast satisfaction with flap procedures, however, they also found that rates of complications were higher with flap procedures than with implants.

Does insurance pay for breast reconstruction after mastectomy?

Breast reconstruction procedures should be covered by your health insurance plan, whether they are done right away or many years later. Breast reconstruction procedures should be covered by your health insurance plan, whether they are done right away, soon after mastectomy/lumpectomy, or many years later.

Will health insurance cover a double mastectomy?

If a person has cancer in both breasts, original Medicare and Medicare Advantage provide broad coverage for a double mastectomy. The coverage also includes breast reconstruction and prosthesis implantation, in addition to non-surgical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation.

What is better DIEP flap or implants?

Women who have undergone chemotherapy for months do not wish to get implants that would again require future surgeries or revision. The DIEP flap breast reconstruction technique is an extensive surgery, but in case of future radiation requirement, the implants would have to be removed and DIEP remains the best choice.

Should I lose weight before DIEP?

The good news is that most people don’t need to worry about weight loss in preparation for DIEP flap surgery.

What happens to belly button during DIEP flap?

Because skin, fat, and blood vessels are moved from the belly to the chest, having a DIEP flap means your belly will be flatter and tighter — as if you had a tummy tuck.

How painful is DIEP flap surgery?

You will be sore in the breast and in the area where the flap was taken. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in those areas. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two.

Does insurance cover reconstruction after prophylactic mastectomy?

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHRCA) requires that most group health insurers cover breast reconstruction or prostheses following a mastectomy. While these surgeries may be covered by the health insurer, they are not reimbursed at 100%.

What to expect after DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery?

Reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breast,but some feeling may return over a period of years.

It may take up to about 8 weeks for bruising and swelling to go away.

It may take as long as 1 to 2 years for tissues to heal fully and scars to fade (the scars never go away completely).

Ask when you can go back to wearing regular bras.

Should you lose weight before DIEP flap reconstruction?

That means you won’t lose strength in your belly. And your recovery should be less painful than some other flap surgeries. Because DIEP surgery uses natural tissue, your new breast should change with your body. If you gain or lose weight, for example, you’ll see those changes in the breast, too.

How long does DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery take?

DIEP flap reconstruction surgery takes about 6 to 8 hours. After DIEP flap reconstruction surgery: You’ll be moved to the recovery room after surgery, where hospital staff members will monitor your heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. If you’re in pain or feel nauseated from the anesthesia, tell someone so you can be given medication.

What is a Diep procedure?

What is a DIEP Flap procedure? DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is an operation that uses your own fat and skin from the abdomen to make a breast mound. It can be done immediately following mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction).