Custom Fabricated Prosthetic Breast Act of 2010.

saraprecisionoandp

Hello Everyone!  Let's hear your voice!!

Just a reminder that your efforts are needed in gaining Senator Harry Reid's support of  the bill S.3255 -  Custom Fabricated Prosthetic Breast Act of 2010.

This bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance so there is a sense of urgency.   I have attached the ‘Contact link' so that you may call/write/email Senator Reid. 

http://reid.senate.gov/contact/offices.cfm

A quick recap for the few new people -

Currently, Medicare does provide coverage and reimbursement for custom prostheses for any other body part, but does not reimburse the custom breast code (L8035) that was assigned with a maximum allowable fee under the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). 

Most private pay insurance groups will pay for custom breast prostheses, but if this bill is not passed, these groups will soon follow the Medicare guide line. This will devastate women who (a) are not reconstruction candidates, and/or (b) due to failed reconstruction or severe chest wall deformities, will not have a product that fits their medical needs.

Many Medicare patients struggle with ‘off the shelf' prostheses that do not provide the correct symmetry and balance that is needed.  This ultimately results in other medical issues such as back and neck pain, progressed skeletal alignment problems, added discomfort to Lymphedema flare ups, and self esteem issues. 

The most devastating cases are the women who go through many reconstruction surgeries, thousands of Medicare dollars, and then are deemed a ‘failure'.  It is this particular case that can be avoided if custom breast prostheses are offered as a viable option.

Please ask Senator Reid's support of this bill as it will medically help - physically and mentally - the thousands of post mastectomy patients, and in turn save the Medicare program funds by avoiding the more costly reconstruction surgery option.

Please forward to others that will also lend their voice to this important issue.

Thank you for your help.