Can Insurance Cover Prophylactic Mastectomy?

asked 4 months ago by PH70 in Coral Gables, FL
Latest answer by J. Jason Wendel, MD
Question viewed 182 times
Tags: hereditary, insurance, mastectomy

I am a 41 year old female with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. My mom was first diagnosed with BrCa at age 30 and contralateral BrCa at 48 years old; she is BrCa1 mutation carrier so are my cousins which are twins and her mom died of ovarian cancer at age 41; their mom is my aunt and my mom's sister.I have had for the past 4 years more than 3 breast biopsies until last year where i came accross with atypia.Can the group insurance cover my prophylactic mastectomy?I live Fl.

6 answers to Can Insurance Cover Prophylactic Mastectomy?

Genetic Testing

It is unfortunate to hear that your family has such a strong history of breast and ovarian cancer. I would strongly recommend that you get Genetic Testing for the BRCA mutation. This will direct you as to what you should do. If you are positive for BRCA, then I would recommend bilateral prophylactic mastectomies (which should be covered by insurance). In addition, you can also contact a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who can do breast reconstruction at the same... more

Max Lehfeldt, MD, FACS
Pasadena Plastic Surgeon

www.DrMaxPlasticSurgery.com

Preventative mastectomy for BRCA 1+ and strong family history

Thank you for your question. I recommend you see a health care provider in your area who specializes in breast, preferably at a comprehensive breast center. If you haven't already had it, genetic testing will likely be recommended. Based on the results and your calculated risk for developing breast cancer, your providers can discuss the possibility of prophylactic mastectomies with you. If you seek prophylactic mastectomies, the typical process would be for... more

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

Prophylactic Mastectomy and Strong Family History of Breast Cancer

It has been my experience that patients with a strong family history of breast cancer and/or the BRCA gene generally get their prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction covered by their insurance. Please check with your Human Resources department and/or your insurance provider to get confirmation. And visit with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who can refer you to a skilled mastectomy breast surgeon to development an oncoplastic immediate reconstruction plan.... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

Direct-to-implant reconstruction for BRCA+ prophylactic mastectomy

I am sure you know that the answer depends in part on testing to see if you are BRCA positive, but if there is biopsy-proven atypia I would expect your insurer to cover it in any case. You should also consult with a plastic surgeon who can do immediate reconstruction. In situations like yours, it often works out very well for the surgeon to do a nipple-sparing mastectomy, and the plastic surgeon then uses an implant and an Alloderm internal bra for total reconstruction in one stage. more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Prophylactic mastectomies

First, you need to have genetic testing and counseling to see if you have inherited the gene. If so, then your insurance company should cover your surgery.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast cancer

With that strong family history, you need genetic councelling and testing. As for coverage for prophylactic mastectomy, you need to check with your insurance company. some insurance have denied that. Also ask them if they will cover the reconstruction.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

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