NEW YORK—Hospitals will be required to inform breast cancer patients about all of their options regarding reconstructive surgery starting Jan. 1, 2011, on account of the new law passed earlier this year.
While insurance companies already cover reconstructive surgery under the current state and federal law, the new legislation will ensure that women undergoing mastectomy, lymph node dissection, or lumpectomy are given the necessary information regarding their breast reconstructive surgery options.
State Senate President Malcolm A. Smith said the law is designed to limit disparity by providing education.
“This law guarantees that when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she will be given more information that clearly explains her rights to coverage and her options as they relate to reconstruction,” said Smith in a statement.
The announcement comes during the 25th National Breast Cancer Month. According to a report by the American Cancer Society, over 255,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.
Reconstructive surgery is performed by plastic surgeons. For women undergoing a mastectomy, in which one’s breast is removed, surgeons can rebuild the breast close to its original shape and size.
President of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh says the most important thing is for women to know that they have many options. It takes a team of several doctors and specialists to provide this guidance, he noted.
“At this extremely sensitive and often traumatic time, women need to be provided this information, which can help them plan, reduce their anxiety and empower them in making decisions about their surgery,” said state Sen. Liz Krueger in a statement.
Ivis Sampayo, a breast cancer survivor and director of Latina SHARE, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to women with breast and ovarian cancer, said she understands the importance of providing women with the information they need during the difficult time.
“Making informed decisions means having information in lay terms,” Sampayo said.
While insurance companies already cover reconstructive surgery under the current state and federal law, the new legislation will ensure that women undergoing mastectomy, lymph node dissection, or lumpectomy are given the necessary information regarding their breast reconstructive surgery options.
State Senate President Malcolm A. Smith said the law is designed to limit disparity by providing education.
“This law guarantees that when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she will be given more information that clearly explains her rights to coverage and her options as they relate to reconstruction,” said Smith in a statement.
The announcement comes during the 25th National Breast Cancer Month. According to a report by the American Cancer Society, over 255,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.
Reconstructive surgery is performed by plastic surgeons. For women undergoing a mastectomy, in which one’s breast is removed, surgeons can rebuild the breast close to its original shape and size.
President of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh says the most important thing is for women to know that they have many options. It takes a team of several doctors and specialists to provide this guidance, he noted.
“At this extremely sensitive and often traumatic time, women need to be provided this information, which can help them plan, reduce their anxiety and empower them in making decisions about their surgery,” said state Sen. Liz Krueger in a statement.
Ivis Sampayo, a breast cancer survivor and director of Latina SHARE, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to women with breast and ovarian cancer, said she understands the importance of providing women with the information they need during the difficult time.
“Making informed decisions means having information in lay terms,” Sampayo said.
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