Tag: post-mastectomy products
How to comfort breast cancer survivors
October 28, 2019Guest Commentary
Based on statistics from the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in American women. Sadly, most of us can identify close friends or family members who have been impacted by breast cancer.While education, early detection, and advances in treatment have helped to decrease death rates since 1989, there is still a very high rate of newly diagnosed patients. This year, it is estimated more than 268,600 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the...
AABCP ups ante
January 24, 2014Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
HOUSTON - With all the pink, press and publicity breast cancer gets, you would think post-mastectomy services are well understood.
They are not, says Rhonda Turner.
“I have had conversations with various insurance officials, referral sources and people in CMS that truly show a lack of understanding,” said Turner, executive director of the American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP). “And lawmaker town halls last fall really highlighted the fact that senators—male...
Retail therapy: Uplifting Every Woman
June 21, 2013Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
GREENVILLE, S.C. - Casey Bolt was too young to understand much when her maternal grandmother survived a bout with breast cancer, but she now plans to make a career out of helping other women.“I wanted to get more involved,” said Bolt, manager of women's health services at For Every Woman, a boutique she opened with her mother, Jackie Bolt, in May. “I also like the concept of women helping women.”For Every Woman is a sister company to Carolina Homecare, a full line HME and...
AABCP forecasts 'good year'
December 28, 2012Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
HOUSTON - After a period of declining membership, the American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP) says things started to turn around in 2012.The seven-year-old association, which represents individual and HME-based post-mastectomy fitters, saw its membership drop by nearly 20% in 2011, some of which Executive Director Rhonda Turner attributes to issues that included accreditation and certification changes.“I think people were burned out and didn't have the time, energy or financial...
Education, events, and a 'queen' fill boutique calendars
October 24, 2012Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
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...
New boutique location is stylin'
October 24, 2012Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
DALLAS, Texas - It's not uncommon for HME providers to bill themselves as a one-stop shop, but the Women's Health Boutique has added another element: retreat.The provider in October acquired a wig and hair salon in Plano that caters to cancer patients and survivors. They will fold it into one of their standard boutiques.“We've been doing wigs forever, but now we'll have three licensed cosmetologists on staff,” said Crystal Tipton, regional manager. “We could fit them with their...
AABCP lights fire
April 23, 2012Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
HOUSTON - Supporters of a bill that would require Medicare to pay for custom breast forms have retooled their efforts.
The American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP) recently formed a breast care coalition and hired the Washington, D.C.-based McGuireWoods Consulting to refocus lobbying efforts.
“We felt we just weren't getting anywhere,” said Rhonda Turner, executive director of AABCP. “Even the support (we did have) was starting to slide. We really wanted...
Carolyn Sluiter rallies behind her work
August 26, 2010Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
FREEPORT, Ill. - Provider Carolyn Sluiter doesn't count attending bike rallies among her typical activities, but a late July weekend found her doing just that.
"A group of local bikers invited us to an event called Breast Fest," said Sluiter, founder of Freeport Home Medical Equipment. "Proceeds from the event go to breast cancer research and awareness. It was a fun thing."
The provider set up a booth that included clothing and other post-mastectomy products, as well as information about breast...