Women’s Health & Cancer Rights Act

Note: PacifiCare changed its name to UHC of California and will do business as (dba) UnitedHealthcare of California, effective May 2011. (See the March 25, 2011 announcement.)

Mastectomy/Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy and Complications from Mastectomy

Surgery to perform a Medically Necessary mastectomy and lymph node dissection is covered, including prosthetic devices or reconstructive surgery to restore and achieve symmetry for the Member incident to the mastectomy. The length of hospital stay is determined by the attending physician and surgeon in consultation with the Member, consistent with sound clinical principles and processes. Coverage includes any initial and subsequent reconstructive surgeries or prosthetic devices for the diseased breast on which the mastectomy was performed and for a healthy breast if, in the opinion of the attending physician and surgeon, this surgery is necessary to achieve normal symmetrical appearance. Medical treatment for any complications from a mastectomy, including lymphedema, is covered.