Medical Policy
Subject: Breast Procedures; including Reconstructive Surgery, Implants and Other Breast Procedures
Document #: SURG.00023Publish Date: 01/03/2024
Status: RevisedLast Review Date: 11/09/2023
Description/Scope

This document addresses the following three areas: reconstructive breast surgery, cosmetic surgeries designed to enhance the appearance of the breast and management of breast implants.

Reconstructive breast surgery refers to surgical procedures to rebuild the contour of the breast, along with the nipple and areola if desired. Typically, breast reconstruction is performed following a mastectomy (that is, the breast has been removed because of breast cancer) or lumpectomy (that is, removal of the breast tumor and tissue surrounding it), but occasionally techniques of breast reconstruction are used to treat individuals who have an abnormal development of one or both breasts. 

Note: Please see the following related document(s) for additional information:

Note: This document does not address gender affirming surgery or procedures. Criteria for gender affirming surgery or procedures are found in applicable guidelines used by the plan.

For autologous fat grafting and other soft tissue augmentation procedures of the breast see:

Note: The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) is federal legislation that provides that any individual, with insurance coverage who is receiving benefits in connection with a mastectomy covered by their benefit plan (whether or not for cancer) who elects breast reconstruction, must receive coverage for the reconstructive services as provided by WHCRA. This includes reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed, surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance and prostheses and treatment of physical complications of all stages of the mastectomy including lymphedemas. If additional surgery is required for either breast for treatment of physical complications of the implant or reconstruction, surgery on the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance is reconstructive at that point as well. The name of this law is misleading because: 1) cancer does not have to be the reason for the mastectomy; and 2) the mandate applies to men, as well as women. WHCRA does not address lumpectomies. Some states have enacted similar legislation, and some states include mandated benefits for reconstructive services after lumpectomy.

Medically Necessary: In this document, procedures are considered medically necessary if there is a significant functional impairment, AND the procedure can be reasonably expected to improve the functional impairment.

Reconstructive: In this document, procedures are considered reconstructive when intended to address a significant variation from normal related to accidental injury, disease, trauma, treatment of a disease or congenital defect.

Note: Not all benefit contracts include benefits for reconstructive services as defined by this document. Benefit language supersedes this document.

Cosmetic: In this document, procedures are considered cosmetic when intended to change a physical appearance that would be considered within normal human anatomic variation. Cosmetic services are often described as those that are primarily intended to preserve or improve appearance.

Position Statement

Medically Necessary:

Removal of implants partially or completely filled with Silicone Gel is considered medically necessary when there is documented implant rupture (that is, using mammography, ultrasound, or MRI).

Removal of a Silicone Gel filled, Saline filled or “Alternative” implant is considered medically necessary for any of the following:

  1. Infection of the implant or surrounding tissue; or
  2. Implant exposure/extrusion; or
  3. Pain related to Baker Class IV capsular contracture; or
  4. Confirmed cases of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma; or
  5. Elective removal in individuals with an increased risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) due to use of Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders; or
  6. Prior to surgical treatment of breast cancer. (Note: Implant explantation is routinely performed at the time of mastectomy. In individuals treated with breast conserving surgery [that is, lumpectomy], a breast implant may or may not interfere with subsequent treatment, and thus explantation at the time of lumpectomy is at the discretion of the treating physician and the treated individual).

Reconstructive:

Breast surgery is considered reconstructive to rebuild the normal contour of the affected and the contralateral unaffected breast to produce a more normal appearance following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other breast surgery for breast cancer.

Surgical procedures, such as reduction mammaplasty, may be considered reconstructive when done in advance of mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer in order to produce improved cosmesis and prevent postoperative complications.

Breast surgery of both breasts is considered reconstructive following the mastectomy of both breasts.

Breast surgery to alter the contour of the breast is considered reconstructive when there are significant abnormalities related to trauma, congenital defects, infection or other non-malignant disease. A specific example of this is Poland syndrome which may be diagnosed when all of the following are present:

  1. Congenital absence or hypoplasia of pectoralis major and minor muscles; and
  2. Breast hypoplasia; and
  3. Congenital partial absence of the upper costal cartilage.

Removal of an implant (any type) with or without reimplantation is considered reconstructive when:

  1. An implant, originally placed in an individual with a history of mastectomy, lumpectomy or treatment of breast cancer for reconstructive purposes as defined above; and
  2. There has been development of a visible distortion (Baker Class III contracture).  

Removal of a ruptured saline-filled or “Alternative" implant with or without reimplantation is considered reconstructive when originally placed in an individual with a history of mastectomy, lumpectomy or treatment of breast cancer for reconstructive purposes, as defined above.

Surgery on the contralateral breast to produce a symmetrical appearance after removal of an implant and reimplantation is considered reconstructive when the implant was originally placed for reconstructive purposes in an individual with a history of mastectomy, lumpectomy or treatment of breast cancer.

Not Medically Necessary:

Removal of a ruptured saline-filled or “Alternative” implant is considered not medically necessary since the potential adverse medical consequences of implant rupture are related to silicone gel implants only.

Removal of ANY TYPE of breast implant is considered not medically necessary for any of the following:

  1. Systemic symptoms attributed to connective tissue disease, autoimmune diseases, etc.; or
  2. Personal anxiety; or
  3. Pain not related to contractures or rupture; or
  4. The medically necessary or reconstructive criteria listed above have not been met.

Cosmetic and Not Medically Necessary:

Reimplantation of an implant inserted for cosmetic purposes only (that is, for reasons other than a history of mastectomy, lumpectomy, treatment of breast cancer, significant abnormalities related to trauma, congenital defects, infection or other non-malignant disease) and removed as part of a medically necessary or reconstructive surgery (see above) is considered cosmetic and not medically necessary. 

Other breast procedures, (including augmentation mammaplasty/breast lift, implant repositioning, repair of inverted nipples, mastopexy) are considered cosmetic and not medically necessary except when performed as part of a covered breast reconstruction service.

Rationale

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) mandated that reconstructive breast surgery for individuals who have undergone mastectomy be covered by their benefits for those who have opted to have breast reconstruction. In individuals who have undergone a medically necessary lumpectomy, surgery to create a more normal anatomy is considered reconstructive.

Removal of silicone-filled implants has been shown to be necessary when due to infection, implant exposure, or pain related to capsular contracture. In addition, Grade IV contractures interfere with adequate mammography screening and thus, their presence has potential medical implications. Therefore, removal may be considered medically necessary. Grade III contractures do not interfere with mammography; therefore, Grade III contractures are not considered an absolute indication for removal. However, since Grade III contractures do have an impact on the normal appearance of the breast, removal may be appropriate for implants originally placed for reconstructive purposes, since the goal of restoration of the normal appearance of the breast is not achieved. Contracture is the most common local complication of breast implants. Contractures have been graded according to the Baker Classification which is outlined below:

Grade I:           Augmented breast feels as soft as a normal breast.
Grade II:          Breast is less soft and the implant can be palpated but is not visible.
Grade III:         Breast is firm, palpable, and the implant (or its distortion) is visible.
Grade IV:         Breast is hard, painful, cold, tender, and distorted.

The FDA labeling of silicone implants recommends removal of ruptured silicone implants. Intact silicone implants are all associated with leakage of small amounts of silicone, and there has been concern that this leakage is associated with various autoimmune diseases. The data from multiple studies is inadequate to support an association between silicone implants and autoimmune disease (Janowsky, 2000). 

In 2011, the FDA published preliminary findings and analyses of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in individuals with breast implants. As part of its analysis, the FDA conducted a thorough review of scientific literature published from January 1997 through May 2010. From this review, the FDA identified 34 unique cases of BIA-ALCL in women with breast implants throughout the world. This number is difficult to verify because not all cases were published in the scientific literature. Some cases have been identified through the FDA’s contact with other regulatory authorities, scientific experts, and breast implant manufacturers, and it is not clear how many of these are duplicates of the ones found in the literature. The number of identified cases is small compared to the estimated 5-10 million individuals who have received breast implants worldwide. Based on these data:

The FDA believes that women with breast implants may have a very small but increased risk of BIA-ALCL. Because the risk of BIA-ALCL appears very small, the FDA believes that the totality of evidence continues to support a reasonable assurance that FDA-approved breast implants are safe and effective when used as labeled (FDA, 2011; Kim, 2011).

As of September 30, 2017, the FDA had received a total of 414 medical device reports (MDRs) of BIA-ALCL, including the death of nine patients. Of these, 272 of the 414 reports included information on the surface of the implant at the time of the report, including 242 with textured surfaces and 30 with smooth surfaces. Also noted, 413 of the 414 reports included information on the type of implant fill. Of these, 234 reported implants filled with silicone gel and 179 reported implants filled with saline. This further clarifies that saline implants are also reported to be associated with BIA-ALCL (FDA, 2017).

The FDA continues to collect and evaluate information about BIA-ALCL associated with breast implants. In collaboration with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Plastic Surgery Foundation (ASPS/PSF), the FDA has developed a registry of BIA-ALCL cases, known as the PROFILE Registry (Patient Registry and Outcomes For breast Implants and anaplastic large cell Lymphoma [ALCL] etiology and Epidemiology), to prospectively track and collect scientific data on ALCL in individuals with breast implants. The primary goal of this ongoing collaboration is to better understand the role of breast implants in the etiology of primary ALCL in individuals with breast implants. The research will also focus on identifying potential risk factors and criteria detection for the identification of at-risk individuals and the management of BIA-ALCL. Based on global data sharing, at the present time, the ASPS claims to be aware of 573 cases of BIA-ALCL worldwide with 33 disease-related deaths over 30 countries. From the current total of 573 confirmed cases of BIA-ALCL, 481 are reported to have had Allergan breast implants at the time of diagnosis. Information from the PROFILE registry about breast implants and treatment for BIA-ALCL will be available for practitioners and individuals with implants or considering breast implants. Registry data on confirmed cases of primary ALCL in individuals with breast implants will also be available for analytical epidemiological studies. The current status of the PROFILE registry is listed as collecting cases; additional information is available at: https://www.thepsf.org/research/registries/profile.

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) provisionally designated BIA-ALCL as a unique form of T-cell lymphoma that can develop in some breast implant recipients. The following is noted:

The exact number of cases remains difficult to determine due to significant limitations in world-wide reporting and lack of global breast implant sales data. At this time, most data suggest that BIA-ALCL occurs more frequently following implantation of breast implants with textured surfaces rather than those with smooth surfaces (WHO, 2016).

In October of 2019, researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center presented preliminary evidence from a prospective cohort study of individuals who received reconstructive textured implants from a single surgeon between April 1993 and December 2017. The study followed 3546 women from a prospective database who received 6023 implants; 8 of these recipients developed BIA-ALCL after a median of 11.2 years of exposure. This equates to a risk of 0.294 cases per 1000 person-years (1 case per 443 women). Although the full study has not been published to date, this finding indicates that the risk of BIA-ALCL following implantation of a textured implant may be significantly higher than previously estimated (Ghione, 2019).

On July 24, 2019, the FDA announced the voluntary recall of specific models of textured breast implants manufactured by Allergan (Irvine, CA) from the U.S. market, due to the risk of BIA-ALCL. Following the FDA request, Allergan has notified the FDA that it is moving forward with a worldwide recall of their BIOCELL® textured breast implant products, including: Natrelle Saline-Filled breast implants, Natrelle Silicone-Filled breast implants, Natrelle Inspira Silicone-Filled breast implants, and Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled breast implants. However, the FDA has recommended against removal of breast implants in individuals who have no symptoms due to the low risk of developing BIA-ALCL (FDA, 2019). On September 29, 2020, the FDA issued its final Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff for saline, silicone gel, and alternative breast implants, which is intended to guide implant manufacturers about labeling requirements and other necessary information for any future pre-market applications for breast implants. It includes detailed instructions about post-approval core studies to be conducted for 10 years to include data about complications and implant extractions to be reported to the FDA.

It has been noted in recent studies reporting on incidence of BIA-ALCL associated with breast implants that risk estimates of ALCL vary widely, prompting different responses from regulatory authorities around the world. Given the strong association between textured implants and ALCL, the rising incidence may be associated with both the increasing use of textured implants in the U.S. and increased recognition of the disease but may also reflect an increase in the incidence of all breast lymphomas. These updated risk estimates should increase the accuracy of epidemiological studies and support continued surveillance of breast ALCL by government and regulatory agencies (Kinslow, 2022).

On October 27, 2021, the FDA issued new labeling requirements for all legally marketed breast implants due to ongoing concerns about the possible risk of systemic illness or BIA-ALCL in individuals with silicone gel-filled breast implants. Also, the sale and distribution of breast implants will be restricted only to health care providers and facilities “That provide information to patients using the Patient Decision Checklist.” The manufacturers are required to post the following updated device labeling to their websites:

In addition to BIA-ALCL, saline-filled implants have also been associated with infection, implant exposure, or pain related to capsular contracture, all requiring implant removal. Ruptured saline-filled implants have not been shown to pose any health risks due to the physiologic nature of saline, and their removal does not meet medical necessity criteria, except in the case of confirmed BIA-ALCL.

There is no medical evidence that supports the removal of breast implants for systemic symptoms, anxiety, or pain not related to contractures or rupture. The placement or removal of an implant in a healthy person is not considered to have any medically necessary justification and is considered cosmetic.

Note: Before considering the medical necessity for the removal of breast implants, the following questions must be answered:

  1. Was the original insertion of breast implant(s) considered reconstructive or cosmetic in nature?
    Removal of a breast implant is considered reconstructive if the breast implant, originally inserted for reconstructive purposes, is associated with a significantly altered appearance, such that the goals of reconstruction (that is, to return the individual to a whole) are not reached.
  2. What signs or symptoms are present?
    The presence of signs and symptoms related to the breast implant (for example, painful capsular contracture or rupture) may be used to establish the medical necessity for implant removal. Certain signs or symptoms (see medical necessity criteria) will establish the medical necessity of implant removal, regardless of whether the implant was originally implanted for reconstructive or cosmetic reasons.
  3. What type of implant is being removed?
    The medical necessity criteria for explantation may depend on the type of implant. For example, the medical consequences of rupture of a silicone gel-filled implant differ from rupture of a saline-filled implant. The following implants are available:
Background/Overview

Description of Technology

Reconstructive breast surgery is a surgical procedure that is designed to restore the normal appearance of a breast after a medically necessary mastectomy for breast cancer or other medical condition, injury or congenital abnormality. In contrast, cosmetic breast surgery is defined as surgery designed to alter or enhance the appearance of a breast that has not undergone a medically necessary surgery, an accidental injury/trauma, congenital defect, infection or other non-malignant disease.

Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy can be done immediately after, or some time following, a procedure to remove a breast. In an immediate procedure, after removal of the breast tissue, the surgeon will place a breast implant in the location where the breast was removed. This is referred to as a one-stage procedure and has no impact on the outcome of any chemotherapy treatments. A delayed reconstruction procedure may be necessary if radiation therapy following the surgery is needed, since implants may interfere with such treatment.  In some circumstances, it is necessary to do a two-stage procedure, which involves the placement of a tissue expander to stretch the skin where an implant will be inserted as the second-stage procedure. Placement of the expander will be followed several months later by placement of an implant. This type of procedure may be done either immediately or sometime after the breast removal surgery. In some cases of breast cancer, reconstructive surgery (that is, reduction mammaplasty) is performed before the mastectomy or lumpectomy, in order to produce improved cosmesis and also to prevent postoperative complications following the mastectomy or lumpectomy. Regardless of the timing and which procedure(s) are done, the reconstruction will not interfere with the doctor’s ability to detect any disease recurrence.

Another technique used in breast reconstruction involves a two-phase procedure. In the first phase, the breast mound is created, using either an implant with or without a tissue expander, or an autologous tissue reconstruction procedure with a transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous flap (that is, TRAM flap), and allowed to heal. In the second phase, which begins 3 to 6 months after the first stage is completed, the breast shape is refined and the nipple-areola is created. Tattooing of the nipple and/or areola is the final stage of reconstruction, and in some cases may be delayed up to 2 years.

Another surgical option that has gained some favorable feedback from individuals who have had a mastectomy is called aesthetic flat chest closure. This involves contouring of the chest wall after mastectomy without traditional breast reconstruction. The surgeon removes extra skin, pockets of fat or excess tissue, and tightens and smooths out the remaining tissue to create a flat chest wall contour. This procedure is considered reconstructive following a mastectomy for breast cancer and can be done immediately following the mastectomy or delayed until a few months later. In most cases individuals opt for removal of the contralateral breast and flat closure of that side also, in order to create a symmetrical appearance. A team of plastic surgeons from New York University noted that, to date, "There is no plastic surgery literature on specific techniques to achieve an aesthetic flat closure after mastectomy" (Morrison, 2022).

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines aesthetic flat closure as the following:

A type of surgery that is done to rebuild the shape of the chest wall after one or both breasts are removed. An aesthetic flat closure may also be done after removal of a breast implant that was used to restore breast shape. During an aesthetic flat closure, extra skin, fat, and other tissue in the breast area is removed. The remaining tissue is then tightened and smoothed out so that the chest wall appears flat (NCI, 2011).

Baker and colleagues described results of a satisfaction survey of 931 women who had a history of uni- or bilateral mastectomy for treatment of breast cancer or elevated breast cancer risk without current breast mound reconstruction. Satisfaction with outcomes and surgeon support for the individual’s experience were characterized using 5-level scaled scores. Mastectomy alone was the first choice for 73.7% of the respondents. The top two reasons for choosing flat closure were a desire for a faster recovery and avoidance of foreign body placement. Overall, the mean scaled satisfaction score was 3.72 ± 1.17 out of 5. In the multivariable analysis, low levels of surgeon support for the choice of flat closure were the strongest predictor of having a satisfaction score lower than 3 (odds ratio [OR], 3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.59–5.72; p<0.001). The authors noted that dissatisfaction was more likely among respondents reporting a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.76–4.27; p<0.001) and those undergoing a unilateral procedure (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.29–3.09; p=0.002). Greater satisfaction was associated with a perception of having received adequate information about surgical options (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32–0.69; p<0.0001) and having a surgeon with a specialized breast surgery practice (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38–0.81; p=0.002). The authors concluded that the majority of individuals who had undergone a mastectomy alone were satisfied with their surgical outcome. They noted that surgeons may optimize the individual’s experience by recognizing and supporting the choice of flat closure.

Description of Chest Wall Deformities

Congenital chest wall deformities include, but are not limited to, Poland syndrome, pectus excavatum (also referred to as sunken chest or funnel chest), and pectus carinatum (referred to as pigeon breast or chicken breast). Poland syndrome is a rare, congenital disorder which is associated with a wide range of malformations of the ribs on one or both sides of the sternum. This condition is characterized by absence or hypoplasia of the pectoralis major and minor muscles, absence of costal cartilages, hypoplasia of the breast and subcutaneous tissue, and a variety of hand and upper-extremity anomalies. In general, the severity of congenital chest wall deformities is dependent upon the depth, symmetry and width of the deformity which is evaluated by chest radiographs. In more severe cases where cardiac and/or pulmonary compression and cardiac displacement may be involved, the clinical evaluation may include chest computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in addition to echocardiography and pulmonary function testing. Surgical repair may be necessary in some severe cases where cardiopulmonary function is impaired.

Concepts of Medical Necessity, Reconstructive and Cosmetic

The coverage eligibility of medical and surgical therapies to treat breast conditions is often based on a determination of whether repair of the abnormality is considered medically necessary, reconstructive, or cosmetic in nature. In many instances, the concept of reconstructive overlaps with the concept of medical necessity. For example, breast surgery to address pain related to Baker Class IV capsular contracture will be considered medically necessary and thus eligible for coverage, regardless of the contract language pertaining to reconstructive services, unless some other exclusion applies. Generally, reconstructive is often taken to mean that the service “returns the person to whole” as a result of a congenital anomaly, disease, or other condition, including post trauma or post therapy. Cosmetic generally describes changing a physical appearance that would be considered within normal human anatomic variation. Categories of conditions without associated functional impairment that may be included as reconstructive definitions, include or may be due to the following: surgery, accidental trauma or injury, diseases, congenital anomalies (including Poland syndrome), severe anatomic variants, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Choice of Breast Reconstruction Procedure

Breast reconstruction can play a pivotal part in recovery from breast cancer surgery. Reconstruction has been shown to improve quality of life in several domains including psychological, emotional, sexual, and social well-being. The choice and timing of breast reconstruction depends on a variety of factors that may be unique to each individual. Such factors include personal preference, degree of resection, prior surgeries or radiation treatments, body habitus including the amount of tissue available from donor sites, ongoing cancer treatment plans, and coexisting medical conditions. Common reconstructive techniques may include, but are not limited to, implant insertion, revision or removal of pre-existing implants (including implants placed for cosmetic purposes), reduction mammaplasty, surgery to the contralateral breast to achieve symmetry (which may include reduction mammaplasty, augmentation mammaplasty, mastopexy, or other procedures), tissue transfer, or chest wall reconstruction with flat chest closure.

Timing of Procedures

The number and timing of reconstructive breast procedures varies, depending on the individualized treatment plan developed by the treating physician(s) and the individual. These plans may be impacted by the overall treatment plan for the breast cancer itself.

Definitions

Alternative breast implants (also called combination implants): A type of breast implant that has two compartments that contain both silicone and saline. Some of these implants have silicone as the inner compartment and saline as the outer compartment. The saline compartment is filled at the time of surgery. Other implants in this category contain saline in the inner compartment and silicone in the outer compartment. 

Augmentation mammaplasty (also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty): A surgical procedure in which the purpose is to enlarge the breast or breasts.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): This is a rare form of T-cell lymphoma (that is, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma) which is associated with breast implants. ALCL is characterized by abnormal growth of T-lymphocytes (T-cells) and strong expression of a protein, cytokine receptor CD30. ALCL can involve many parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and skin. There are currently two major variants of ALCL recognized in the literature, one of which expresses the protein anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK-positive) and a second which does not (ALK-negative). Reports in the scientific community have suggested a possible association between ALK-negative ALCL and silicone- and saline-filled breast implants. Optimum treatment is complete removal of the breast implants.

Contracture: A condition where scar tissue forms internally around the breast implant, tightens and makes the breast round, firm, and possibly painful. This excessive firmness of the breasts can occur soon after surgery or years later.

Contralateral: Pertaining to the opposite side which, in the case of breasts, refers to the breast not being medically treated.

Extrusion: A condition, where the lack of adequate tissue coverage, infection, or other conditions where skin may be weakened, that results in exposure of the implant through the skin.

Mastectomy: The surgical removal of a breast.

Mastopexy: A surgical procedure designed to elevate sagging breasts to a normal position, often with some improvement in shape.

Poland Syndrome: A condition where an individual is born missing some of their chest muscles and cartilage and did not develop a breast on one side of the chest during puberty.

Prophylactic mastectomy: A surgical procedure to remove a breast or both breasts with the purpose of reducing the risk of breast cancer in women determined to be at intermediate or high risk for developing breast cancer.

Reconstructive breast surgery: Surgical procedures performed to correct or repair abnormal structures of the breast that are designed to restore the normal appearance of one or both breasts.

Reduction mammaplasty (also referred to as reduction mammoplasty): A surgical procedure to decrease breast size.

Rupture: A condition where a liquid or gel-filled breast implant bursts, allowing leakage of its contents into the surrounding tissue.

Coding

The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this document are included below for informational purposes. Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement policy. Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these services as it applies to an individual member.

Reconstructive Breast Procedures before or after Breast Surgery
When services may be Reconstructive when criteria are met:

CPT

 

11920-11922

Tattooing, intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to correct color defects of skin, including micropigmentation; 6.0 sq cm or less [when specified for nipple/areola reconstruction after breast surgery; includes codes 11920, 11921, 11922]

15877

Suction assisted lipectomy; trunk [when specified as a breast reconstruction procedure related to breast surgery]

17999

Unlisted procedure, skin, mucous membrane and subcutaneous tissue [when specified as aesthetic flat chest closure or chest wall reconstruction after breast surgery]

19316

Mastopexy

19318

Breast reduction

19325

Breast augmentation with implant

19340

Insertion of breast implant on same day of mastectomy (ie, immediate)

19342

Insertion or replacement of breast implant on separate day from mastectomy

19350

Nipple/areola reconstruction [when specified as a breast reconstruction procedure following breast surgery]

19355

Correction of inverted nipples

19357

Tissue expander placement in breast reconstruction, including subsequent expansion(s)

19361

Breast reconstruction; with latissimus dorsi flap

19364

Breast reconstruction; with free flap (eg, fTRAM, DIEP, SIEA, GAP flap)

19367

Breast reconstruction; with single-pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap

19368

Breast reconstruction; with single-pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, requiring separate microvascular anastomosis (supercharging)

19369

Breast reconstruction; with bipedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap

19380

Revision of reconstructed breast (eg, significant removal of tissue, re-advancement and/or re-inset of flaps in autologous reconstruction or significant capsular revision combined with soft tissue excision in implant-based reconstruction)

19396

Preparation of moulage for custom breast implant

 

 

HCPCS

 

C1789

Prosthesis, breast (implantable)

L8600

Implantable breast prosthesis, silicone or equal

S2066

Breast reconstruction with gluteal artery perforator (GAP) flap, including harvesting of the flap, microvascular transfer, closure of donor site and shaping the flap into a breast, unilateral

S2067

Breast reconstruction of a single breast with “stacked” deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap(s) and/or gluteal artery perforator (GAP) flap(s), including harvesting of the flap(s), microvascular transfer, closure of donor site(s) and shaping the flap into a breast, unilateral

S2068

Breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap or superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap, including harvesting of the flap, microvascular transfer, closure of donor site and shaping the flap into a breast, unilateral

 

 

ICD-10 Procedure

 

0H0T07Z-0H0V0ZZ

Alteration of breast [right, left or bilateral, with or without tissue or synthetic substitute, by approach; includes codes 0H0T07Z, 0H0T0JZ, 0H0T0KZ, 0H0T0ZZ, 0H0U07Z, 0H0U0JZ, 0H0U0KZ, 0H0U0ZZ, 0H0V07Z, 0H0V0JZ, 0H0V0KZ, 0H0V0ZZ]

0HHT0NZ-0HHV0NZ

Insertion of tissue expander into breast, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HHT0NZ, 0HHU0NZ, 0HHV0NZ]

0HPT0NZ-0HPU8NZ

Removal of tissue expander from breast [right or left, by approach; includes codes 0HPT0NZ, 0HPT3NZ, 0HPT7NZ, 0HPT8NZ, 0HPU0NZ, 0HPU3NZ, 0HPU7NZ, 0HPU8NZ]

0HRT075-0HRV075

Replacement of breast using latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HRT075, 0HRU075, 0HRV075]

0HRT076-0HRV076

Replacement of breast using transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HRT076, 0HRU076, 0HRV076]

0HRT077-0HRV077

Replacement of breast using deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HRT077, 0HRU077, 0HRV077]

0HRT078-0HRV078

Replacement of breast using superficial inferior epigastric artery flap, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HRT078, 0HRU078, 0HRV078]

0HRT079-0HRV079

Replacement of breast using gluteal artery perforator flap, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HRT079, 0HRU079, 0HRV079]

0HRT07Z-0HRV07Z

Replacement of breast with autologous tissue substitute, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HRT07Z, 0HRU07Z, 0HRV07Z]

0HRT0JZ-0HRV0JZ

Replacement of breast with synthetic substitute, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HRT0JZ, 0HRU0JZ, 0HRV0JZ]

0HRT0KZ-0HRV0KZ

Replacement of breast with nonautologous tissue substitute, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HRT0KZ, 0HRU0KZ, 0HRV0KZ]

0HRW07Z-0HRXXKZ

Replacement of nipple [right or left, by type of substitute and approach; includes codes 0HRW07Z, 0HRW0JZ, 0HRW0KZ, 0HRW37Z, 0HRW3JZ, 0HRW3KZ, 0HRWX7Z, 0HRWXJZ, 0HRWXKZ, 0HRX07Z, 0HRX0JZ, 0HRX0KZ, 0HRX37Z, 0HRX3JZ, 0HRX3KZ, 0HRXX7Z, 0HRXXJZ, 0HRXXKZ]

0HST0ZZ-0HSV0ZZ

Reposition breast, open approach [right, left or bilateral; includes codes 0HST0ZZ, 0HSU0ZZ, 0HSV0ZZ]

0HUT07Z-0HUV0KZ

Supplement breast, open approach [right, left or bilateral with tissue or synthetic substitute; includes codes 0HUT07Z, 0HUT0JZ, 0HUT0KZ, 0HUU07Z, 0HUU0JZ, 0HUU0KZ, 0HUV07Z, 0HUV0JZ, 0HUV0KZ]

0J060ZZ-0J063ZZ

Alteration of chest subcutaneous tissue and fascia [by approach, includes codes 0J060ZZ, 0J063ZZ]

0JD60ZZ-0JD63ZZ

Extraction of chest subcutaneous tissue and fascia [by approach; includes codes 0JD60ZZ, 0JD63ZZ]

0KXK0Z6-0KXL0Z6

Transfer abdomen muscle, transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, open approach [right or left; includes codes 0KXK0Z6, 0KXL0Z6]

 

 

ICD-10 Diagnosis

 

C50.011-C50.929

Malignant neoplasm of breast

C79.81

Secondary malignant neoplasm of breast

D05.00-D05.92

Carcinoma in situ of breast

N65.0-N65.1

Deformity and disproportion of reconstructed breast

T81.40XA-T81.40XS

Infection following a procedure, unspecified

T85.41XA-T85.49XS

Mechanical complication of breast prosthesis and implant

T85.79XA-T85.79XS

Infection and inflammatory reaction due to other internal prosthetic devices, implants and grafts

Z42.1

Encounter for breast reconstruction following mastectomy

Z85.3

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast

Z90.10-Z90.13

Acquired absence of breast and nipple

Reconstructive Breast Procedures for Other Indications:
When services may also be Reconstructive when criteria are met:
For the procedure codes listed above; for the following diagnoses:

ICD-10 Diagnosis

 

N64.82

Hypoplasia of breast

Q67.6-Q67.7

Pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum

Q79.8

Other congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system (Poland syndrome)

Q83.0

Congenital absence of breast with absent nipple

Q83.2

Absent nipple

S21.001A-S21.009S

Unspecified open wound of breast

S21.011A-S21.019S

Laceration without foreign body of breast

S21.021A-S21.029S

Laceration with foreign body of breast

S28.211A-S28.229S

Traumatic amputation of breast

When services are Cosmetic and Not Medically Necessary:
For the procedure codes listed above when criteria are not met, or when the code describes a procedure indicated in the Position Statement section as cosmetic and not medically necessary.

Breast Implant Removal or Revision 
When services may be Medically Necessary or Reconstructive when criteria are met:

CPT

 

19328

Removal of intact breast implant

19330

Removal of ruptured breast implant, including implant contents (eg, saline, silicone gel)

 

 

ICD-10 Procedure

 

0H2TXYZ-0H2UXYZ

Change other device in breast, external approach [right or left; includes codes 0H2TXYZ, 0H2UXYZ]

0HPT0JZ-0HPU0JZ

Removal of synthetic substitute from breast, open approach [right or left; includes codes 0HPT0JZ, 0HPU0JZ]

0HPT0KZ-0HPU0KZ

Removal of nonautologous tissue substitute from breast, open approach [right or left; includes codes 0HPT0KZ, 0HPU0KZ]

0HWT0JZ-0HWU0JZ

Revision of synthetic substitute in breast, open approach [right or left; includes codes 0HWT0JZ, 0HWU0JZ]

0HWT0KZ-0HWU0KZ

Revision of nonautologous tissue substitute in breast, open approach [right or left; includes codes 0HWT0KZ, 0HWU0KZ]

 

 

ICD-10 Diagnosis

 

C50.011-C50.929

Malignant neoplasm of breast

C79.81

Secondary malignant neoplasm of breast

C84.60-C84.69

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive

C84.70-C84.7A

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative

C86.6

Primary cutaneous CD30-positive T-cell proliferations

D05.00-D05.92

Carcinoma in situ of breast

T81.40XA-T81.40XS

Infection following a procedure, unspecified

T85.41XA-T85.49XS

Mechanical complication of breast prosthesis and implant

T85.79XA-T85.79XS

Infection and inflammatory reaction due to other internal prosthetic devices, implants and grafts

Z40.8-Z40.9

Encounter for other/unspecified prophylactic surgery

Z42.1

Encounter for breast reconstruction following mastectomy

Z42.8

Encounter for other plastic and reconstructive surgery following medical procedure or healed injury

Z45.811-Z45.819

Encounter for adjustment or removal of breast implant

Z85.3

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast

Z98.82

Breast implant status

When services are Not Medically Necessary:
For the procedure and diagnosis codes listed above when criteria are not met, for all other diagnoses not listed; or when the code describes a procedure indicated in the Position Statement section as not medically necessary.

References

Peer Reviewed Publications:

  1. Baker JL, Attai DJ. ASO author reflections: patients who go flat after mastectomy deserve an aesthetic flat closure. Ann Surg Oncol. 2021; 28:2493-2505.
  2. Black CK, Graziano FD, Fan KL, et al. Combining abdominal flaps and implants in the breast reconstruction patient: A systematic and retrospective review of complications and outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019; 143(3):495e-503e.
  3. Brown SL, Pennello G, Berg WA, et al. Silicone gel breast implant rupture, extracapsular silicone, and health status in a population of women. J Rheumatol. 2001; 28(5):996-1003.
  4. Calobrace MB, Schwartz MR, Zeidler KR, et al. Long-term safety of textured and smooth breast implants. Aesth Surg J. 2018; 38(1):38-48.
  5. Clemens MW, Medeiros LJ, Butler CE, et al. Complete surgical excision is essential for the management of patients with breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. J Clin Oncol. 2016; 34(2):160-168.
  6. Contant CM, Menke-Pluijmers MB, Seynaeve C, et al. Clinical experience of prophylactic mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction in women with hereditary risk of breast cancer (HB(O)C) or a proven BRCA1 and BRCA2 germ-line mutation. Eur J Surg Oncology. 2002; 28(6):627-632.
  7. Cordeiro PG, Ghione P, Ni A, et al. Risk of breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in a cohort of 3546 women prospectively followed long term after reconstruction with textured breast implants. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2020; 73(5):841-846.
  8. Davila AA1, Mioton LM, Chow G, et al. Immediate two-stage tissue expander breast reconstruction compared with one-stage permanent implant breast reconstruction: a multi-institutional comparison of short-term complications. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2013; 47(5):344-349.
  9. Gabriel SE, Woods JE, O'Fallon WM, et al. Complications leading to surgery after breast implantation. N Engl J Med. 1997; 336(10):677-682.
  10. Ghione P, Cordeiro PG, Ni A, et al. Risk of breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in a cohort of 3546 women prospectively followed after receiving textured implants. Hematol Oncol. 2019; 37:97-98.
  11. Heitland A, Markowicz M, Koellensperger E, et al. Long-term nipple shrinkage following augmentation by an autologous rib cartilage transplant in free DIEP-flaps. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2006; 59(10):1063-1067.
  12. Hennekens CH, Lee IM, Cook NR, et al. Self-reported breast implants and connective tissue diseases in female health professionals. A retrospective cohort study. JAMA. 1996; 275(8):616-621.
  13. Henriksen TF, Fryzek JP, Holmich LR, et al. Surgical intervention and capsular contracture after breast augmentation: a prospective study of risk factors. Ann Plast Surg. 2005; 54(4):343-351.
  14. Holmich LR, Fryzek JP, Kjoller K, et al. The diagnosis of silicone breast implant rupture: clinical findings compared with findings at magnetic resonance imaging. Ann Plast Surg. 2005; 54(6):583-589.
  15. Hwang MJ, Brown H, Murrin R, et al. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a case report and literature review. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2015; 39(3):391-395.
  16. Janowsky EC, Kupper LL, Hulka BS. Meta-analyses of the relation between silicone breast implants and the risk of connective-tissue diseases. N Eng J Med. 2000; 342(11):781-790.
  17. Kim B, Roth C, Chung KC, et al. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma and breast implants: a systematic review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011; 127(6):2141-2150.
  18. Kinslow CJ, Kim A, Sanchez GI, et al. Incidence of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma of the breast in the US, 2000 to 2018. JAMA Oncology. Published online July 21, 2022.
  19. Laurent C, Delas A, Gaulard P, et al. Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: two distinct clinicopathological variants with different outcomes. Ann Oncol. 2016; 27(2):306-314.
  20. Leberfinger AN, Behar BJ, Williams NC, et al. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a systematic review. JAMA Surg. 2017; 152(12):1161-1168.
  21. Levine SM, Snider C, Gerald G, et al. Buried flap reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy: advancing toward single-stage breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013; 132(4):489e-497e.
  22. Lipworth L, Tarone RE, McLaughlin JK. Breast implants and fibromyalgia: a review of the epidemiologic evidence. Ann Plast Surg. 2004; 52(3):284-287.
  23. Locke MB, Lofts J. Variable presentation of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in patients with breast implants. ANZ J Surg. 2017; 87(10):789-794.
  24. Mathes SJ. Breast implantation: the quest for safety and quality, N Engl J Med. 1997; 336(10):718-719.
  25. McIntosh SA, Horgan K. Breast cancer following augmentation mammoplasty - a review of its impact on prognosis and management. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2007; 60(10):1127-1135.
  26. McLaughlin JK, Lipworth L, Murphy DK, Walker PS. The safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants: a review of the epidemiologic evidence. Ann Plast Surg. 2007; 59(5):569-580.
  27. Mess SA. Lipoaugmentation following implant removal preferred by plastic surgeons and the general public. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018; 6(8):e1882.
  28. Morrison K, Karp NS. Not just a linear closure: aesthetic flat closure after mastectomy. Plas Recon Surg - Global Open: May 2022; 10(5):e4327.
  29. Nelson JA, McCarthy C, Dabic S, et al. BIA-ALCL and textured breast implants: a systematic review of evidence supporting surgical risk management strategies. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021; 147(5S):7S-13S.
  30. Panayi AC, Agha RA, Sieber BA, Orgill DP. Impact of obesity on outcomes in breast reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2018; 34(5):363-375.
  31. Roostaeian J, Sanchez I, Vardanian A, et al. Comparison of immediate implant placement versus the staged tissue expander technique in breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012; 129(6):909e-918e.
  32. Song JW, Kim HM, Bellfi LT, Chung KC. The effect of study design biases on the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for detecting silicone breast implant ruptures: a meta-analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011; 127(3):1029-1044.
  33. Stanec Z1, Zic R, Budi S, et al. Skin and nipple-areola complex sparing mastectomy in breast cancer patients: 15-year experience. Ann Plast Surg. 2014; 73(5):485-491.
  34. Steffens D, Kappos EA, Lunger A, et al. The double S technique to achieve aesthetic flat closure after conventional mastectomy. World J Surg Oncol. 2022; 20(1):42.
  35. Stevens WG, Calobrace MB, Alizadeh K, et al. Ten-year core study data for Sientra's Food and Drug Administration-approved round and shaped breast implants with cohesive silicone gel. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018; 141(4S):7S-19S.
  36. Stevens WG1, Harrington J, Alizadeh K, et al. Five-year follow-up data from the U.S. clinical trial for Sientra's U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved Silimed® brand round and shaped implants with high-strength silicone gel. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012; 130(5):973-981.
  37. Tanna N, Broer PN, Weichman KE, et al. Microsurgical breast reconstruction for nipple-sparing mastectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013; 131(2):139e-147e.
  38. Weiss PR. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Am J Managed Care. 1997; 3(6):932-937.
  39. Winocour S1, Saksena A, Oh C, et al. A systematic review of comparison of autologous, allogeneic, and synthetic augmentation grafts in nipple reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016; 137(1):14e-23e.
  40. Zion SM, Slezak JM, Sellers TA, et al. Re-operations after prophylactic mastectomy with or without implant reconstruction. Cancer. 2003; 98(10):2152-2160.

Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS recommended insurance coverage for third party payers. Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Approved Oct 2017; Reapproved June 2020. Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/Health-Policy/Reimbursement/Insurance-2017-BIA-ALCL.pdf. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  2. Baker JL. Augmentation mammaplasty. In Owsley JG, Peterson RA, eds: Symposium on Aesthetic Surgery of the Breast. St. Louis: Mosby, 1978.
  3. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). National Coverage Determination: Breast reconstruction following mastectomy. NCD #140.2. Effective January 1, 1997; revised October 3, 2003. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=64&ncdver=1&bc=AgAAQAAAAAAA&. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  4. Chung KC. Discussion: Managing late periprosthetic fluid collections (seroma) in patients with breast implants: a consensus panel recommendation and review of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011; 128(1):13-16.
  5.  Coroneos CJ1, Selber JC, Offodile AC 2nd, et al. U.S. FDA breast implant postapproval studies: long-term outcomes in 99,993 patients. Ann Surg. 2019; 269(1):30-36.
  6. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Proposed Rule on Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities. §1557 of Affordable Care Act (ACA); Proposed 45 C.F.R. §92.206; 80 Fed. Reg. 54176-54177. RIN 0945-AA02. The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured. Issue Brief. October 2015. Final Rule. Published May 18, 2016. Effective July 18, 2016. Available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/05/18/2016-11458/nondiscrimination-in-health-programs-and-activities. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  7. Jagsi R1, Jiang J, Momoh AO, Alderman A, et al. Trends and variation in use of breast reconstruction in patients with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy in the United States. J Clin Oncol. 2014; 32(9):919-926.
  8. Lee BT, Agarwal JP, Ascherman JA, et al. Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Autologous Breast Reconstruction with DIEP or Pedicled TRAM Abdominal Flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 140(5):651e-664e.
  9. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. © 2023. National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice guidelines in Oncology. For additional information visit the NCCN website: http://www.nccn.org/index.asp. Accessed on September 21, 2023.
  10. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), §713; October 21, 1998. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Health-Insurance-Reform/HealthInsReformforConsume/downloads/WHCRA_Statute.pdf. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Breast implants: Additional Resources. Current: March 8, 2023. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/breast-implants-additional-resources. Accessed on October 30, 2023. 
  12. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Study of silicone gel breast implant rupture, extracapsular silicone, and health status in a population of women. Published in May 2001. Page last updated January 18, 2018. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm064382.htm. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  13. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Update on the Safety of Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants. June 2011. Current as of July 16, 2018. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/update-safety-silicone-gel-filled-breast-implants-2011-executive-summary. Accessed on  October 30, 2023.
  14. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Guidance for industry and FDA staff: saline, silicone gel, and alternative breast implants. September 29, 2020. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/71081/download. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  15. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Labeling for approved breast implants. Current: August 4, 2022. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm063743.htm. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  16. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Information on breast implants and anaplastic large B-cell lymphoma. Current: October 23, 2019. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm239995.htm. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
Websites for Additional Information
  1. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Breast augmentation. Available at: http://www.surgery.org/consumers/procedures/breast/breast-implants. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): Breast reconstruction. Available at: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Reconstructive_Procedures/Breast_Reconstruction.html. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). BIA-ALCL Resources and frequently asked questions. ASPS 2022. Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/breast-implant-safety/bia-alcl-summary/frequently-asked-questions. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
  4. National Cancer Institute: Breast cancer. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast. Accessed on September 21, 2023.
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Dictionary of Cancer Terms – Aesthetic flat closure.. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/aesthetic-flat-closure. Accessed on October 30, 20232.
  6. The Plastic Surgery Foundation. PROFILE registry. Available at: https://www.thepsf.org/research/registries/profile. Accessed on October 30, 2023.
Index

Aesthetic flat chest closure
Augmentation Mammaplasty
BIOCELLTextured Implants
Breast Implants
Breast Lift
Breast Procedures
Mammoplasty
Mastopexy
Natrelle Saline-Filled breast implants
Natrelle Silicone-Filled breast implants
Natrelle Inspira Silicone-Filled breast implants
Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled breast implants
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
Reduction Mammaplasty

The use of specific product names is illustrative only.  It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another, and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available.

Document History

Status

Date

Action

Revised

11/09/2023

Medical Policy & Technology Assessment Committee (MPTAC) review. Revised formatting of Position Statement. Revised reconstructive statement related to procedures done in advance of mastectomy or lumpectomy. Moved reconstructive text related to procedure timing to Background section. Revised Position Statement section with text updates. Updated Rationale, Background, References, and Websites for Additional Information sections.

Revised

11/10/2022

MPTAC review. Chest wall reconstruction with flat chest closure was added to the list of surgical procedures considered ‘Reconstructive’ following surgery for breast cancer. The Rationale, Background, Index and References were updated. Updated Coding section to add CPT 17999 NOC code.

Revised

11/11/2021

MPTAC review. A cross-reference was added to the Scope for MED.000132 Adipose-derived Regenerative Cell Therapy and Soft Tissue Augmentation Procedures to direct the reader for fat grafting and other soft tissue augmentation procedures of the breast. The language of the Reconstructive statement was reformatted for clarification with no change to stance or criteria. The References were updated.

 

10/01/2021

Updated Coding section with 10/01/2021 ICD-10-CM changes; added C84.7A.

 

04/07/2021

Revised MN definition text in the Description section.

Reviewed

11/05/2020

MPTAC review. The Rationale and References sections were updated. Updated Coding section with 01/01/2021 CPT descriptor changes; codes 19324, 19366 deleted 12/31/2020.

 

04/01/2020

Updated Coding section; corrected ICD-10 diagnosis codes T81.40XA-T81.40XS.

Revised

11/07/2019

MPTAC review. The MN indications for implant removal were expanded to add elective removal of Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders due to risk for BIA-ALCL.  The Rationale, Coding, References and Index sections were updated.

Revised

06/06/2019

MPTAC review. Reduction mammaplasty done in advance of mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer was added to the covered reconstructive procedures. The Background, References and Index sections were updated.

Revised

07/26/2018

MPTAC review. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) was added to the medically necessary indications for implant removal. The Rationale, Coding, Definitions and References sections were updated.

 

05/01/2018

The document header wording updated from “Current Effective Date” to “Publish Date.”

Reviewed

08/03/2017

MPTAC review.  Coding and References sections were updated.

Reviewed

08/04/2016

MPTAC review. References were updated. Removed ICD-9 codes from Coding section.

Reviewed

08/06/2015

MPTAC review. References were updated.

Reviewed

08/14/2014

MPTAC review. The Background, Coding and References sections were updated.

Reviewed

08/08/2013

MPTAC review. References were updated.

Revised

08/09/2012

MPTAC review. Position statements section was reformatted for clarification. Position statement for other procedures (including augmentation mammaplasty/breast lift, implant repositioning, repair of inverted nipples, mastopexy) was revised to state that these procedures are considered cosmetic and not medically necessary except when performed as part of a covered breast reconstruction service.  The Rationale, Coding and References were updated.

 

07/01/2012

Updated Coding section to recategorize CPT 19355.

Reviewed

08/18/2011

MPTAC review. The Definitions and References were updated.

Reviewed

08/19/2010

MPTAC review. References were updated.

 

04/21/2010

Updated Coding section to add CPT 11921, 11922.

Revised

08/27/2009

MPTAC review. The language of the criteria under each category has been reformatted for clarification with no substantial revisions.  References were updated.

Revised

08/28/2008

MPTAC review. The Reconstructive and medically necessary language for implant removal and replacement was clarified. Cosmetic language was also clarified. References were updated.  Updated coding section with 10/01/2008 ICD-9 changes.

 

02/21/2008

The phrase "cosmetic/not medically necessary" was clarified to read "cosmetic and not medically necessary." This change was approved at the November 29, 2007 MPTAC. meeting. A NOTE was added after the Reconstructive Definition to clarify that not all benefit contracts include a reconstructive services benefit.

Revised

08/23/2007

MPTAC review. Information was added to the Description and to the statements under Reconstructive Surgery and Management of Breast Implants sections regarding the definitions of “Reconstructive,” “Medically Necessary” and “Cosmetic” for clarification. References were also updated.

 

07/01/2007

Updated Coding section with 07/01/2007 HCPCS changes.

Reviewed

09/14/2006

MPTAC review. References were updated.

 

11/17/2005

Added reference for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – National Coverage Determination (NCD).

Revised

09/22/2005

MPTAC review. Revision based on Pre- merger Anthem and Pre-merger WellPoint Harmonization. 

Pre-Merger Organizations

Last Review Date

Document Number

Title

Anthem, Inc.

 

04/27/2004

SURG.00023

Breast Procedures; including Prophylactic Mastectomy; Reconstructive Surgery, including implants; Reduction Mammaplasty; Mastectomy for Gynecomastia

WellPoint Health Networks, Inc.

06/24/2004

3.01.09

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

 

12/02/2004

Clinical Guidelines

Removal of Breast Implants

 

12/02/2004

Clinical Guidelines

Reimplantation of Breast Implants

 


Federal and State law, as well as contract language, including definitions and specific contract provisions/exclusions, take precedence over Medical Policy and must be considered first in determining eligibility for coverage. The member’s contract benefits in effect on the date that services are rendered must be used. Medical Policy, which addresses medical efficacy, should be considered before utilizing medical opinion in adjudication. Medical technology is constantly evolving, and we reserve the right to review and update Medical Policy periodically.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without permission from the health plan.

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