“New Policy May Limit Breast Cancer Coverage”
CBS Mornings/CBS News
In this investigation, Anna Werner and Leigh Ann Winick explore the challenges patients with breast cancer face regarding insurance coverage of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery following mastectomy. DIEP flap surgery is an alternative breast reconstruction method where skin, fat, and blood vessels from a woman’s abdomen are used to rebuild the breast instead of using breast implants. DIEP reconstruction is a preferred option for many patients who feel it offers a more natural and safer option to saline implants. However, as Werner and Winick highlight, implants are still often considered the standard for breast reconstruction, meaning women have to advocate for DIEP flap surgery as an option. Moreover, few surgeons who perform DIEP flap surgery take insurance. Finally, a change to health insurance reimbursement codes has resulted in low coverage by insurance companies for this surgery. This investigation helped bring attention to the effect this change in policy had on patients and the importance of access to healthcare through insurance among cancer survivors who need it the most.
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