Education, events, and a 'queen' fill boutique calendars

For many Americans, the month of October means it's time raise awareness about breast cancer. For women's health providers, it's also a great time to remind patients and referral sources of the products that are available to help women post-surgery.

“Women today are more schooled, but we do hear time and again when a woman comes in that they just realized that they could get new bras every year or a new prosthesis,” said Laurie Schneider, senior vice president, marketing and business development for Erie, Pa.-based Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services.

That's especially true for women who are poor or live in underserved areas, said Crystal Tipton, who in October opened two Women's Health Boutiques in the Dallas area.

“I had a customer the other day who has used socks in her bra for 10 years because she didn't know her insurance would pay for a breast form,” said Tipton, regional manager. “The doctors should be telling them, as soon as they have their follow-up appointment, if they see that they are not using prostheses they should be saying, 'Your insurance is going to cover this.'”

It's not all serious. Providers host special events and give away prizes.

The Women's Health Boutique held a “Queen for a Day” contest. Survivors could enter to win at all three of the provider's Dallas locations for a gift package valued at about $2,500 that contains items like a spa package, makeover and gift cards all donated by local businesses.

“Sometimes patients have on blinders when they come in to get their prescription filled,” said Vicki Jones, owner. “This will make it more fun.”