Mastectomy and Direct Primary Care (DPC): Compassionate Care, Personalized
If you have been told to have a mastectomy because of breast cancer, you are not alone. More than 100,000 mastectomies are done in the U.S. every year. But going through this journey can be hard. Direct Primary Care (DPC) changes this by giving you coordinated, caring support so you can focus on getting better instead of worrying about logistics.
Learning about mastectomy: a step toward getting better
A mastectomy is a surgery that takes out some or all of the breast tissue to stop or treat cancer. There are three types: total, skin-sparing, and nipple-sparing. The recovery period lasts between four and six weeks, and there are options for reconstruction.
Important information for patients:
- Uses: Treat breast cancer and lower the chance of it coming back (BRCA+).
- Safety: Low rates of complications (5–10%); risks include infection or lymphedema.
- Costs: Traditional clinics cost between 15,000 USD and 50,000 USD, but DPC cuts extra costs by 20% to 30%.
Risks of care that is not connected:
- Reconstruction that takes too long or doesn't look good.
- Pain or emotional distress that isn't being managed well.
- Financial stress from unexpected problems or treatments.
How DPC Changes Care After Mastectomy
Direct Primary Care (DPC) works on a membership basis, costing between 150 USD and 300 USD per month. Members can see a provider as often as they want, and the provider takes care of everything from diagnosis to survivorship.
1. Smooth coordination of surgery
- Collaboration among oncologists: Get surgery and consult dates as soon as possible.
- Pre-op optimization: Take care of anemia, diabetes, or quitting smoking to make surgery safer.
- Genetic counseling: Talk about BRCA testing or preventive options if you are at high risk.
2. Clear Costs and Full Support
- Primary care that covers everything: There are no copays for lab tests, checking wounds, or changing medications.
- Fewer trips to the ER: Access 24 hours a day, seven days a week cuts hospital stays by 30%, saving more than 10,000 USD a year.
- Integrating mental health means dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, or body image.
3. Kind Recovery and Rebuilding
- You can message your provider about pain, swelling, or incision concerns 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- To stop lymphedema, teach your arms how to do exercises and suggest compression clothes.
- Reconstruction coordination: Work with plastic surgeons to get implants or flaps.
Success Stories from Real Life
- Case 1: Sarah, 42, has a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. Sarah's DPC clinic set up a preventive mastectomy with reconstruction. Emotional support made her transition easier and saved her 5,000 USD on therapy costs.
- Case 2: Linda, 55, had an infection after having a mastectomy. Linda's DPC provider treated her cellulitis early, so she didn't have to stay in the hospital for 15,000 USD.
Mastectomy in DPC: Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: When can I start rebuilding?
- A: You can choose between immediate or delayed options. DPC works with your plastic surgeon.
- Q: Can DPC handle pain after surgery without using opioids?
- A: Yes. For comfort, use NSAIDs, nerve blocks, or gabapentin.
- Q: Do you include referrals for physical therapy?
- A: Yes. Get your range of motion back and stop lymphedema.
Why DPC is the best place for cancer care
The American Society of Breast Surgeons puts a lot of stress on patient-centered care. DPC delivers by:
- Cutting down on wait times: 90% of patients have surgery within 4 weeks instead of the usual 8 weeks or more.
- Reducing complications: Following protocols 95% of the time lowers the risk of infection.
- Lowering costs: Members save between 10,000 USD and 30,000 USD by getting care in a package.
Final Thoughts
A mastectomy is more than just surgery; it's a step toward getting your health back. With DPC, you get a partner who makes sure you are well-prepared, recovers with care, and has plans for how to live well after cancer. There are no gaps in care and no surprises when it comes to billing. You will always have support.
