No federal law requires insurance companies to cover preventive mastectomy. Some state laws require coverage for preventive mastectomy, but coverage varies by state. It’s best to check with your insurance company about your plan’s coverage.

How much does a preventive mastectomy cost?

RESULTS: Lifetime prophylactic mastectomy costs were lower than surveillance costs, As low as $1292 to $1993 Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and bilateral prophylactic mastectomy were reduced by $15,668 to $21,342, depending on reconstruction.

Which states cover preventive mastectomy?

The five states are Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. The study included records from 1.2 million women in 45 states and Washington, D.C., all patients aged 20 years and older. All were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and underwent surgery between 2004 and 2012.

Who Qualifies for Prophylactic Mastectomy?

According to the National Cancer Institute, only those Women at very high risk of breast cancer Prophylactic mastectomy should be considered. This includes women with one or more of the following risk factors: BRCA or certain other gene mutations. Have a family history of breast cancer.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover preventive mastectomy?

Covers preventive mastectomy. No pre-authorization required. Coverage: Benefits may vary by group/contract.

Options for Prophylactic Mastectomy

42 related questions found

What is the average cost of a mastectomy?

Some women need a mastectomy to treat breast cancer. The surgery itself is expensive and is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy.On average, the program costs about $13,000which does not include any kind of reconstruction.

When is a preventive mastectomy necessary?

Prophylactic mastectomy is considered medically necessary Breast cancer high-risk groups(See Policy Guidance section for definitions of risk levels) For patients with lobular carcinoma in situ, i.e. with such extensive mammographic abnormalities (i.e. calcifications), adequate biopsy or excision is required…  …

Is a preventive mastectomy a good idea?

prophylactic mastectomy May reduce a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer High risk of breast cancer: For women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, preventive mastectomy can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 90% to 95%.

Can you keep your nipples if you have a mastectomy?

When breast cancer is treated with mastectomy, The nipple is usually removed along with the rest of the breast(Some women may have a nipple-sparing mastectomy, which leaves the nipple in place.

What is the recovery time for a simple mastectomy?

Recovering from a mastectomy: what to expect

Most women should be able to work normally when they go home and can often resume their normal activities. about 4 weeksIf breast reconstruction is also performed, the recovery time will be longer and it may take several months to return to full activity after some procedures.

How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost After Mastectomy?

Breast reconstruction surgery is a highly individualized procedure, and like most other procedures, its cost can vary widely.In fact, the cost of surgery may vary from $3,000 to $9,000.

What if I test positive for BRCA?

A positive test result means you have Mutation in one of the breast cancer genes BRCA1 or BRCA2, and therefore have a much higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer than people without the mutation. But a positive result doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer.

How much is an uninsured mastectomy?

For patients without health insurance, mastectomy usually costs Over $15,000-$55,000 excluding breast reconstruction.

How long does a preventive mastectomy take?

Mastectomy without reconstruction is usually required one to three hours. Surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and most people go home on the day of surgery.

How much does a preventive double mastectomy cost?

Double mastectomy cost range on MDsave From $8,774 to $16,126. Those enrolled in a high-deductible health plan or without insurance can save money by pre-purchasing their program through MDsave.

What happens when you have a double mastectomy?

A bilateral mastectomy – also known as a bilateral mastectomy – is exactly what it sounds like: Surgery to remove both breasts at the same time. This is a major surgery that removes both breasts to remove cancer, or to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who may be at high risk for the disease.

Can breast tissue regrow after a mastectomy?

In most cases, all of your breast tissue will be removed during a mastectomy. therefore, Your breast tissue is highly unlikely to regrow after surgery. Fortunately, you can have breast reconstruction to restore your natural breast appearance.

How to get nipples after mastectomy?

To create nipples, The plastic surgeon uses the skin of the breast area where the new nipple is located lie in. This involves making small incisions, forming the tissue into the shape of a nipple, and securing it with sutures. The areola may be created later through the tattoo.

What happens to the nipple during a mastectomy?

nipple-sparing mastectomy Keep the nipple and areola and breast skin intact. Removes all breast tissue under the nipple, areola, and breast skin. Check the tissue under the nipple and areola for cancer. If cancer is detected, the nipple and areola are removed.

Do I need a mammogram after a mastectomy?

Mammogram after mastectomy.Women who have undergone mastectomy (including simple mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, and radical mastectomy) to treat breast cancer do not need further routine mammograms on that side, but still do annual mammogram of the remaining breast.

Is mastectomy a major operation?

Mastectomy is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options. Consider getting a second opinion about all of your treatment options before having a mastectomy. The type of mastectomy you have depends on the stage and type of your breast cancer.

Is there always a drain after a mastectomy?

Drainage is often required after mastectomy or breast reconstruction surgery. You may only have one drain, or if you have a bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, you may have five or more. If you have a lymph node dissection, a separate drain is usually placed.

Can a mastectomy affect your hormones?

Gradual tumor tissue devascularization during mastectomy is thought to be Decreases estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR) receptor activity.

Does mastectomy reduce the risk of recurrence?

Fact: Experience Bilateral mastectomy greatly reduces the chance of breast cancer recurrence Because almost all of your breast tissue has been removed. There is a small chance that residual breast tissue or cancer cells will recur on the chest wall.

Is double mastectomy an option?

Can anyone battling breast cancer have a double mastectomy? Yes. Most patients have a choice between lumpectomy or mastectomy. Some patients choose a mastectomy to avoid radiation therapy, further biopsies, and imaging (mammograms).