For Immediate Release
Contact:
Media Relations Manager
847-228-9900, x. 349
PLASTIC SURGEONS SUBMIT TESTIMONY TO CONGRESS SUPPORTING FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO ASSURE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS FOR WOMEN
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL (Nov. 4, 1997) Although the benefits of breast reconstruction for mastectomy patients have been well documented, the costs associated with surgery have led some insurance companies to resist or even deny coverage for covered participants. A 1996 survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons revealed that 84 percent of plastic surgeons across the country reported up to ten patients each who were denied coverage for breast reconstruction surgery in a one-year period.
On Wednesday, November 5, 1997, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) will submit testimony to a hearing being conducted by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. The testimony is in support of the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1997 (S 249 and HR 616). These bills, along with their Democratic counterparts, require insurance coverage of complete breast reconstruction--reconstruction of the diseased breast and the opposite breast to restore symmetry.
AThe right of a woman to be able to choose to have her breast reconstructed after mastectomy goes much deeper than looking normal," said Dennis J. Lynch, MD, president of ASPRS. "It cuts to the core issue of how we care for breast cancer patients. It's about healing and resuming our lives. It's also about easing the fear of losing a breast, a leading reason why many women do not participate in early breast cancer detection programs.@
"Not every woman who has a mastectomy will seek breast reconstruction, but it is an extremely important option for the thousands of women who do, A added Dr. Lynch.
There are 25 states that guarantee a woman's right to insurance coverage for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, an increase of 12 in the past year alone. But 70 million
Americans receive health insurance benefits through self-funded, federally regulated ERISA plans which are not covered by state insurance regulations. Federal legislation is being sought to close the gaps.
The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons represents 97 percent of all physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. ASPRS member surgeons have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency, usually three years in general surgery and two years in plastic surgery. To be granted certification by the ABPS, a physician must also practice plastic surgery for two years and pass comprehensive written and oral examinations. For additional information or to contact an ASPRS board certified plastic surgeon, call the Plastic Surgery Information Service at 1-800-636-0635, or visit the ASPRS website at www.plasticsurgery.org.
# # #
RSS