was told that OHIP do not cover Nipple Areola Tattoo

Sig

HI, I got a call yesterday from my plastic surgeon's office (Ottawa Dr Guay) and was informed of my appt for Nipple Areola Tattoo (got breast reconstruction 3 months ago) and it would cost me 250.00 (for one side) as OHIP does not cover Nipple Areola Tattoo. I was quite surprise to heard this as I thought that all provincial health plan cover this because this is due to cancer and part of my reconstruction. I would like to hear from Canadian girls if this was paid by their provincial health plan or paid by private insurance.

Sig

asicsgirl

Hi, I had the same surgeon as you. Had my nippled tatooed about a year ago and it was not paid by OHIP. When I had my done, I went to his office and he wasn't even there, it was some tatoee artist that was there and did it - no sign of dr. guay.

barbe1958

I didn't even get my free reconstruction (by my choice) but wanted lipo or something on my ribs to kind of flatten me out evenly. But apparently it would be considered cosmetic and NOT covered by OHIP. I've saved them, what, about $20,000 and they can't even do 20 minutes of lipo? Duh on me!

Beesie

There is no reference to nipple tattooing in the OHIP schedule of payments.  See pages 18 - 20 in the attached file.

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/ohip/sob/physserv/m_skinbr.pdf

Sig

asics, are you happy with the result and is both the areola and nipple were tattoo, I am pretty sure that Dr Guay told me that the areola would be tattoo and my nipple would be grafted. My understanding was this was the norm and the only way that was done. So quite strange that it is not covered as it is part of the reconstruction.

thanks all for your input.

Is everyone who got their areola/nipple done has paid from their pocket to get it done? 

Sig

asicsgirl

Hi Sig

Yes I am happy with the tatoo but I am not sure if the nipple graf was worth it. He grated it after the tatoo was on and in my case it doesn't really look like much. Not much of a raised area. Everyone I have spoked to about this has had to pay, alot of people choose not to get it. Dr. Guay does not understand why people would  not want to choose it. It is quite strange that it is not part of the reconstruction cost.

asics girl

Sig

Hi asics girl, I have so much questions about this and find that Dr Guay is not really telling you any information. He is always in hurry to leave the office.

How did you feel the next day of your tatoo?. I am asking this because I am currently doing physiotherapy for my arm twice a week and wonder if I would still be able to do physio the next day. 

 Did you have to pay for the nipple grafted also?

Where did he took skin to graft you nipple?

How long after the tattoo your nipple was grafted?

Thank you so much for your reply.

asicsgirl

Hi Sig

I had my nipple graf done about a month after the tatoo. You don't have to pay for it. He actually just took the skin from the nipple area and bunched it up and then did some cutting and sewing (in between his tallking) to make the nipple but again I can't say it was worth it in my case. I think you have to keep in covered with a bandaid for a week or two. I don't think the procedure will affect your phsio in an way. I don't remember it being sore but it did bleed alot though.I find him from one extreme to the other. Some days he can't stop talking and the appointment goes on forever. Other times he says nothing barely and just rushes you out of his office. He does seem to not give alot of information either. Patients really have to research the surgery.I hope your grafting goes well.

DragonladyTina

I had nipple creation and tattoo's done, never paid a penny out of pocket.

Diana1993

I had a trams flap reconstruction I believe in 1998. With any surgery there are risks and of course I developed a severe infection.  It took months to recover.  Nipple reconstruction was the next step and repair of hernia. All to be covered by OHIP. Perhaps you can try that route.  I backed out because I learned that my cancer had progressed to lV and it didn't  seem as important.  I did have the hernia repaired during hysterectomy and it needs to be repaired again.

Hugs,

Diana.

scorpio43

I have Dr Guay also and was shocked when they told me that the Aerola and nipple reconstruction are not covered under OHIP for cancer patients. Very frustrating for someone who  had a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction done. I find that only bits and pieces of information is given to patients and unfortunately not once was that mentioned to me. II find all doctors move fast with patients but I have admit he has done a really good job in reconstructing both my breasts. I only wish he cared more about leaving less scars on the body by doing smaller incisions were possible. I was diagnosed with breast cancer but also carried the BRCA1 gene. I opted to remove both breasts to avoid chemo and radiation.

I'm wondering what options do women have as far as nipple and aerola go that are covered by Ohip. Are there any at all when it's not dr. Guay doing it???  Someone told me that if it's done at the hospital it's usually covered but not sure how they do it....

I find that OHIP covering the breast reconstruction but not the nipple very insane....I mean it's really not a complete job until you have a nipple and aerola....It's like having a hand reconstruction with no fingers....How stupid is that? I will right to the health ministry and I think everyone else who doesn't think that's right should too.

Mantra

I'm in Ontario and was told that it would be covered. However, she said that the ink used by the hospital fades really quickly and that I'd be best to go elsewhere to get it done. It would be covered if I had it down by my PS. So I will have her do the nipples and then go elsewhere for the tattooing. I think she said the tattooing would be $600 but free if she did it.

hrf

I heard that the tatooing has been delisted. I think that is insulting to us and we should take collective action to complain. Anyone interested?

Mantra

Hmmm, I hadn't heard about it being delisted. I think they have a website that lists everything that has been delisted. If I can find it, I will let you know. Wonder if nipples has been delisted too? It's been a year since we talked about it so you could be very right and that it has been delisted. I agree, it is extremely insulting to us!

Mantra

Hrf, I just checked and the only thing I can find about tattoos is that removal of them is not covered. I checked University Health Network and Credit Valley Hospital and that's all I could find so far. Where did you hear about this? Was it from your doctor?

Kyta

I have reconstruction scheduled for next month. The PS didn't mention whether nipples or tattooing were covered or not through OHIP. I just assumed they would be.....seems ridiculous that they'd cover recon but not allow people to get the finished product?? If that's the case, it's a travesty.

Mantra

I saw my PS today and she told me that she would be doing the nipples in three months and then tattooing 3 months following the nipples. I'll be out of the country until April but will get the process started when I get back. She said that the nipples are a two week recovery and require bandages etc but said the tattooing is a breeze with no recovery. In fact, I was told that if it fades or I want darker, I just come back. So I imagine it's all covered otherwise she would have said something.

sling99

In the past it wasn't covered. According to the OHIP fee schedule dated Sept 1, 2011, nipple areola tattooing is now a covered procedure. See page 24 on www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/ohip/sob/physserv/m_skinbr.pdf

 

Some places may be ignorant of this fact or they may choose not to inform you as the true cost probably exceeds what OHIP covers.