Episode 53: The Value of the Co-Surgeon Model In Breast Reconstruction and Insurance Coverage Concerns

The two-surgeon model in microvascular breast reconstruction and concerns about insurance coverage is a topic we are tackling on the DiepCJourney podcast. I have NOT come to understand the complexities of insurance but have gained a great deal of empathy for those in the breast cancer community who deal with these complexities, and that includes patients and surgeons.

I was certain I needed to invite a guest I was completely comfortable discussing this topic with.

We go back a bit. I have built trust in his principles over time and his focused passion on patient education. You have heard him on the podcast before, but he has gained a great deal of respect in the global community of microvascular breast reconstruction. I honor our listeners by introducing a friend, a patient-advocate champion, and someone I know will help me feel more comfortable tackling the subject matter and discussion of the podcast.

Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo is the current president of PRMA in San Antonio Texas. He knows a thing of two about microvascular breast reconstruction having performed over twelve thousand various breast reconstruction flap procedures with his team of colleagues at his practice. He is the Founder and Developer of the award-winning Breast Advocate app, a free breast cancer healthcare app providing the user with all your surgical options, a plethora of evidence-based resources, and a customizable and adaptable patient experience through the wizard, along with a community feature of like-minded users to share information with.

I have chosen this topic not to appear to be controversial. It is a topic that can stir emotions, and I have seen it presented in what I can only describe as a dramatic way. That will not be the type of presentation on this podcast today. I am discussing this topic now because of a heightened sense of concern regarding insurance coverage using the two-surgeon model, sometimes referred to as co-surgeon model in DIEP flap and microvascular breast reconstruction.

Studies on the Co-Surgeon Model:

1.     https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/micr.30191

2.    https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/abstract/2022/02000/microvascular_breast_reconstruction_in_the_era_of.8.aspx

 Links to other topics we discuss in the podcast:

DiepCFoundation Video: The Value of a Consistent Breast Reconstruction Surgical Team

S-code issue of 2023: The Patient Voice Has Been Heard!

ERAS Protocol: ERAS Protocol in Breast Reconstruction

Dr. Chrysopoulo Social Media Accounts:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchrysopoulo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChrysopoulo

LinkedIn: Minas Chrysopoulo, MD FACS

Twitter: @drchrysopoulo