Potential Change to Medical Billing Codes Affecting DIEP Flap Surgeries

BRA Groups

DIEP Flap Surgeries May No Longer Be Covered - It's Time to Act

Medical procedures are billed to insurance using codes determined by the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service). Until recently, DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery had a unique code that allowed it to be covered by health insurance.


Due to a restructuring by CMS, the unique code assigned to DIEP flap will be phased out by December 31st, 2024. Essentially, it will be impossible for surgeons to bill insurance companies for the surgery.


What is DIEP Flap Surgery?

DIEP flap surgery is a reconstructive procedure that uses a patient's own tissue to recreate the breast after mastectomy. More than 137,000 women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer elect to undergo some form of breast recontruction surgery every year. DIEP flap has been a preferred procedure by many patients.


What will happen to those who want DIEP flap surgery?

If the change takes effect, people will either have to pay out of pocket for the surgery (which can run upwards of $50,000) or choose an alternative treatment option. TRAM Flap surgery is one of the alternatives on the list because it will be the surgery for which surgeons can most easily bill. However, TRAM flap surgery is a much older, less common procedure that has a longer recovery time and higher risk of long-term complications.


Decisions about treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis are deeply personal and require a lot of thought. Therefore, this change will have rippling effects among survivors.


What can we do to help?

Members of our Congress are calling for CMS to reverse it's decision. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (both breast cancer survivors) are leading the charge - but there are many things you can do to help!


Advocacy Matters

  1. Advocate for yourself and others by contacting your local representatives and senators.
  2. Dr. Potter has generated letters you can use to help in your efforts. Check out her resources here.
  3. Contact your insurance provider and express your concerns.
  4. Sign the Triage Cancer Petition to CMS to Reinstate Breast Reconstruction Surgery Code S2068


Share Your Story

  1. Share your story on social media and beyond to help others understand why access to these reconstruction options matter.


See BRA Volunteer, Board Member, and Friend share her story on FOX 17 here:

June 2025 BRA Banter

By BRA Groups • May 28, 2025
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Warrior Women - Candy Hunley - A Series from BRA Banter

By BRA Groups • May 28, 2025
Candy Hunley, Founder & CEO of Ribbons & Roads, is a devoted wife and mother who turned her personal breast cancer journey into a mission of hope and empowerment. Diagnosed with stage 3B breast cancer at the age of 36, Candy navigated chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries while raising three young children. Her strength and compassion have become the driving force behind her work to support others on their healing journeys. In this video, Candy shares her journey of survival and how it inspired the creation of Ribbons & Roads, a mobile mastectomy service designed to meet women where they are, both physically and emotionally. Her story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of turning challenges into opportunities to uplift others. About Ribbons & Roads After her recovery, Candy began working in a boutique specializing in post-mastectomy care and quickly realized a major obstacle: many patients struggled to access the support they needed during such a vulnerable time. With her family's encouragement, Candy founded Ribbons & Roads to provide compassionate, personalized care through a mobile service, ensuring that no woman feels isolated in her recovery journey. Why Candy’s Story Matters Candy’s experience highlights the importance of accessibility and personalized care in breast cancer recovery. Her dedication to making post-mastectomy care more compassionate and convenient reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering women during some of their most challenging moments.  Tune in on June 12 to hear Candy’s inspiring story and learn how she’s transforming the post-mastectomy experience for women everywhere.

Warrior Women - Angela Pacheco - A Series from BRA Banter

By BRA Groups • April 30, 2025
Angela Pacheco, Founder & CEO of Good, Better, Best , is a Detroit native who has embraced the Nashville community as her home. Guided by the motto “Good, Better, Best” since childhood, Angela is committed to making better living simple and attainable. As an HR leader by day, she brings her strategic mindset to empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. In this video, Angela shares her powerful story as a breast cancer survivor and how her journey inspired the creation of Good, Better, Best. Angela’s commitment to living intentionally shines through in her mission to help others make meaningful changes without the pressure of perfection. About Good, Better, Best Angela and her co-founder Erin turned their shared experience into a platform for change. Good, Better, Best offers curated products and personalized services to help families transition to healthier, toxin-free living. Their refill plans and tailored support make it easy to maintain a clean, sustainable lifestyle. Why Angela's Story Matters When Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, she discovered the overwhelming connection between environmental toxins and health risks. Determined to create a solution, she and Erin spent years researching and testing ways to reduce harmful exposures, laying the foundation for their business. Watch now to hear Angela’s inspiring story of survival and transformation, and learn how she’s making better choices accessible for everyone.
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