Access to breast reconstruction is being denied because of poor reimbursement—and it’s a problem we need to address. Today, I saw a 69-year-old patient who was told she couldn’t get a DIEP flap because Medicare doesn’t pay enough. I hear this over and over. The reality is, CMS reimbursement sets the standard for everyone else, and when it undervalues modern breast reconstruction, patients lose access. I’ll still do the right thing for my patients, and perform their surgeries, even when I lose money—but this system needs to change. It’s time for CMS and this administration to take a hard look at how reimbursements are set. We need a new system that values patient care over profit margins. I’ll keep fighting for that, who else is with me? 💙
