Cost of Breast Reconstruction

The cost of breast reconstruction surgery is related to a variety of factors. Therefore, if you are a post-mastectomy breast reconstruction candidate, you should get a full accounting of the total cost prior to committing to a procedure in order to avoid an unpleasant surprise after the surgery is complete. The Women's Health Rights and Cancer Act of 1998 stipulates that most insurers must cover the cost of breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy, so you should also carefully examine your insurance policy or contact your insurer before having surgery.

Factors that Influence Breast Reconstruction Cost

The cost of breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy can vary greatly. Every patient who undergoes breast reconstruction surgery faces the cost of the surgeon's fees, blood and other laboratory tests, anesthesia, and surgical supplies. If the surgery is performed at a hospital, the cost of outpatient hospital charges must be considered as well. All of these costs will vary depending on the surgeon, the region, and the specific location where the surgery will be performed, as well as a host of other factors. The cost of breast reconstruction surgery is also influenced by:

• Whether one or both breasts are being reconstructed
• Whether the breast reconstruction is being performed with the mastectomy or if the reconstruction is occurring at some point after breast removal
• What breast reconstruction surgery method is being performed
• Location of doctor (i.e., urban, suburban, or rural)
• If there are any breast reconstruction complications
• Other factors specific to each breast reconstruction case

Though prices will vary among different breast reconstruction surgeons, you should be able to obtain a comprehensive cost figure during the consultation process. Be sure to ask your surgeon to include all costs of the breast reconstruction, including fees from hospitals and anesthesiologists and any additional miscellaneous fees incurred before breast reconstruction, during reconstruction surgery, and after breast reconstruction surgery, and throughout your breast reconstruction recovery period. Before going ahead with the procedure, you should have a full understanding of the financial obligation the surgery will impose so that you can budget accordingly. If you are not covered under an insurance policy, you will need to have an accurate estimation of the total cost so that you can arrange appropriate financing for your breast reconstruction procedure.

Breast Reconstruction and Insurance

Many insurance carriers cover the cost of breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. According to the Women's Health Rights and Cancer Act of 1998, insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and group health plans that cover the cost of a mastectomy must also cover the cost of many breast reconstruction procedures. These insurers must cover the full spectrum of procedures necessary to reconstruct the affected breast, any surgery on the other breast necessary to achieve a symmetrical appearance, and the cost of remedying potential breast reconstruction complications. If you have undergone or plan to undergo a mastectomy and are considering breast reconstruction surgery, review your insurance plan carefully or contact your insurer to determine the extent of your coverage before committing to surgery. If you have insurance coverage for a mastectomy, you may be able to greatly reduce or even forego the cost of your breast reconstruction surgery.

Find a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon through DocShop

Contact a breast reconstruction surgeon to learn more about the cost of breast reconstruction surgery and the factors that influence it. If you don't have a surgeon, DocShop provides very useful information about choosing a breast reconstruction surgeon. Review our information; then use our convenient online DocShop directory to find a highly qualified breast reconstruction surgeon in your area.