Breast Reconstruction Surgery in the Netherlands, an Alternative Payment Method for Breast Reconstruction Surgery. Are Extra Fees Feasible in the Context of Reconstructive Surgery?

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the Netherlands, and breast reconstruction is becoming a common surgical procedure for women who have had a mastectomy. Reconstruction post breast cancer treatment is covered by conditional reimbursement until 01-04-2020 as long as it as an autologous fat transplant. Conditional reimbursements are special legal exceptions under constant consideration by the Ministry of Health and require evidence on treatment and cost effectiveness to be moved to basic healthcare package.
 Surgeons at Maastricht UMC+ have developed sophisticated techniques for women that undergo a reconstruction surgery to recover sensitivity of the breasts. Improved sensitization would lead to a better quality of life and protect the skin against thermal and mechanical injuries. However, current health insurance coverage of breast reconstruction does not permit these additions. Furthermore, the reimbursement system in The Netherlands does not allow people to pay an extra fee for these additions.