Frequently Asked Questions
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Insurance coverage depends on the policy of your health insurance policy. Please check with your insurance company for eligibility.
Our nipple prosthesis can be covered under HCPCS billing codes L8033 (“Nipple prosthesis, custom fabricated, reusable, any material, any type, each”). In case the insurance company refuses to fully cover the cost, you can try code L8032 (“Nipple prosthesis, prefabricated, reusable, any type, each”), which can give you a lesser coverage. Once you place an order online, we send you a PDF invoice by Email which you can submit to your insurance company when filing a claim.
In some cases, to improve the reimbursement process, it is advisable to send a medical necessity letter or a prescription note from your doctor (with your personal details and diagnosis) Link to letter.
For the medical necessity letter, ICD-10 diagnostic code C50.019 (“Malignant Neoplasm of female breast, nipple and areola”) can also be used in addition to the billing code. In case CPT code is needed, it can be specified according to the reconstructive surgery performed. More info can be found in this link: CPT Mastectomy & Reconstruction codes.description -
In many cases, Reconstructive Nipple Surgery is not the best choice, primarily due to these reasons:
The reconstructed breast skin may be too tight or damaged by radiation thus not suitable for ANY additional surgery or areola tattooing.
In many cases, a long time needs to pass until the nipple reconstruction surgery can be performed, since the breast has to be fully healed.
Both the reconstructed nipple and the tattoo are not durable. In many cases the reconstructed nipple collapses and the tattoo starts fading after one year.
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ANY TIME! You can call us before or after your mastectomy. If you meet with us before, we will be able to make an impression out of YOUR nipples. You can also call us years after your mastectomy for ready-made nipples we have or can create for you from a donor cast.
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Our prosthetic nipples were thoroughly tested before being introduced to the market and are safe!
If you experience a rash or irritation, consider changing to another adhesive brand which might be more suitable to your skin. We recommend you discuss any concerns with your physician. If you experience an unusual skin reaction, immediately stop use and seek medical attention.
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Our prosthetic nipple kits come with a sample size of Fix to adhere your prosthetic. We also can be provided Telesis® adhesive (sold at an additional cost) made by Premiere Products inc. They are both a medical adhesive which were fully tested with our prosthetic nipples during normal day-to-day activities. The adhesives are waterproof and can hold the prosthetic nipples for up to several days (depending on your skin and moisture level).
When you feel your prosthetic nipple has become loose, you can apply a bit of adhesive on the loose edges using a cotton swab or you can take it off, clean it, spread a new layer of adhesive and reapply it. You can do it as many times as you like. With careful handling, the prosthetic can last for years!
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Absolutely! Our prosthetics are completely safe to use in water and will remain securely in place on the breast! This means you can enjoy swimming in a pool, taking a relaxing bath, or simply splashing around without any worries!