Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most health insurance covers post-mastectomy products, to include: breast prosthesis, breast forms, mastectomy bras and camisoles.
Some insurance covers wigs also: MEDICARE, Alabama Medicaid, Blue Cross of Alabama, Cigna-Healthspring, Healthchoice, Mailhanders, Tricare, UMWA, UnitedHealthCare, and VIVA. To verify coverage, consult your handbook or call the number on the back of your card. If you need assistance, make an appointment to meet with one of our fitters to help you.
Your surgeon or oncologist will give you a prescription/order when you are ready to be fitted for the permanent breast form and bras. This is usually four to six weeks after your surgery, but your drains must have been removed.
A breast prosthesis is a silicone breast shaped form that is worn in the pocket of a mastectomy bra. Breast prosthetics come in different, shapes, sizes, and skin tones.
A breast form is a breast shaped form made from a material other than silicone. It can be made from fabric, foam, or a fiber-fill type of material and can be worn in leisure times (sleeping) but can have some weight for better comfort.
Not necessarily but, a post-surgical camisole can make your after-care more comfortable until you are fitted for a permanent breast form. The camisole includes drain pouches so you don't have to pin the drain to your clothing. The drain pouches are removable and can also be worn on post-surgical (leisure bras). A comfortable non-weighted breast fluff is also included and can be inserted in the breast pocket to give a more symmetrical look. This will make you feel better.
Normally, the recommendation is 4-6 weeks after surgery. However, it may be longer with some women. A doctor's prescription/order (a simple call from your surgeon) is necessary. Don't worry, if you come into our store without a doctor's prescription, we can always contact your doctor for you. We're here to ‘walk you through this process.'
You can wear this immediately after your surgery, since it is lightweight and soft. This can be worn in a pocketed post-surgical bra or camisole. This will make you feel more balanced and you will look better in your clothes.
We recommend being fit for your post-surgical bra when your drains are removed. However, you can continue wearing your camisole if you like and remove the drain pouches.
Benefits differ for each insurance so it is best to consult with your insurance handbook or call the number on the back of your card. i.e. Medicare will reimburse for permanent breast forms every two years; bras, yearly.
Yes, in some cases, your health insurance will cover bras, breast prosthesis, breast forms and camisoles even if you had a breast reconstruction, a lumpectomy or a partial mastectomy. If you find your breast reconstruction as unfavorable, or your lumpectomy is not symmetrical, your health insurance may cover a breast prosthesis equalizer for a symmetrical look. This balance will also eliminate the bra from pulling to one side.
With an appointment, we will have verified your insurance eligibility prior to your visit so that you know what your patient responsibility will be as far as any co-pays or deductibles that haven't been met. We are an IN-NETWORK provider with most insurance carriers.
No, you don't have to have an appointment, however, we do recommend an appointment, since we always take our appointments before our walk-ins.
We highly recommend wearing a breast prosthesis if you had a unilateral mastectomy (one breast removed). Not only does the prosthesis give you a symmetrical look, but it also keeps you balanced. Most bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed) patients find that it affects the core balance and the body shifts to the original position before the surgery.
Usually 30-45 minutes, depending on how many bras you'd like to try on. At Touching You, Inc., we take time with each customer to give the best fit possible and explain the importance of the correct fit of prostheses and bras.
No, we find that women who have had other surgeries, lung, shoulder, biopsy, open heart surgery, find that our bras are comfortable and support the breast to eliminate the weight of the breast pulling on incisions or pain. Our bras work well for those who also have had reduction surgery.
For those who are uninsured or under-insured, we are networked with resources that can help pay for your post-mastectomy products to include: breast prosthesis, mastectomy bras.
For those who are insured, the deductibles and co-pays are the responsibility of the patient. (Your handbook will outline this information or you can call the number on the back of your card). We always verify insurance.
A mastectomy fitter is a healthcare professional who is specifically educated and trained in the provision of breast prostheses and post-mastectomy services. This includes patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, follow-up and practice management.
This means that when a patient meets with one of our certified mastectomy fitters, she can see bras, breast forms, post-surgical garments and other products and services that help with the healing process. We are an extension of your doctors' offices. Please call and schedule an appointment with one of our mastectomy fitters or call for additional information.