How is regulated? Reimbursement for nipple tattooing and colouring scars? And is this kind of treatment reimbursed by the health insurer in the Netherlands?
In this blog, I answer common questions, confusion that arises and how the rules work in the Netherlands. You can also read more about the options available when you want to do justice to the care you need.
Many people think that a medical tattoo, such as a nipple tattoo after breast reconstruction, is always fully reimbursed. Unfortunately, this is not (yet) the case. Medical tattoo reimbursement in the Netherlands is often limited. Clients in my practice wonder how it is actually regulated and how they might be eligible for reimbursement from health insurance for a nipple tattoo, for example.
Simply put, only healthcare providers with a BIG registration or a KP registration (such as doctors, nurses or paramedics) are allowed to claim through the basic insurance system.
There are two options:
I explain this below.
Many clients can be reimbursed between €200 and €400 through their supplementary insurance. This is usually based on a referral from a doctor or specialist. Please note: this amount usually covers part of the total treatment programme. Reimbursement depends on policy and health insurer.
Tip: check with your health insurer before starting medical tattoo treatments.
In some cases, I carry out the treatment commissioned by a plastic surgeon or medical society. They establish the medical indication and remain ultimately responsible for the entire process (from breast cancer treatment to nipple tattooing).
In this way, the treatment is incorporated into the existing treatment pathway. This is often declared via a so-called DOT (Diagnosis Treatment Combination) – a kind of care package submitted by the hospital to the insurer.
This often involves reconstructing a nipple or camouflaging scars. These kinds of treatments are increasingly seen as full-fledged medical care. Doctors and specialists recognise its importance and regularly refer to my practice. The doctors I work with, among others, are listed here.
At Cooperation you can also read about the cooperation with doctors in Belgium, where care and reimbursement from the health insurer is regulated slightly differently, the blog about Dossier Serious Illness makes a lot clear for Belgian clients.
I am also quite worried about the deep-rooted problem in the care of women undergoing breast reconstruction after breast cancer. Because they deserve this little bit of extra care and reimbursement and you can read about that in the article.
I am an expert and over 20 years specialist in permanent make-up and medical tattooing. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to bill directly. I am an HBO-educated health professional with years of experience in medical tattoos, including scar camouflage and nipple tattoos after breast cancer. I work carefully, hygienically and with attention to the medical recovery process. I hold a valid licence….
Because I am not formally a healthcare provider within the meaning of the Healthcare Insurance Act (ZVW).
Treatment on behalf of a doctor can be compared to the purchase of hair works, prostheses or other aids that are (partly) declared to the health insurance company.
If the hospital or doctor cannot claim the full amount, or if your treatment falls outside the DBC pathway, you may have to pay part of the costs yourself. You then only pay for what is not covered by insurance. I always discuss this in advance – transparently and honestly – so you know where you stand.
More and more women (and men) need more than just medical reconstruction after breast cancer. A nipple tattoo can contribute enormously to your self-image, completion of the process and feeling whole again. These three components enhance the feeling of quality in life and overcoming the nasty disease of breast cancer.
I hope I was able to get you started with this explanation of medical tattoo reimbursements. Want to know if your treatment can be (partly) reimbursed? Contact me, as together we can go through all the options and find out what is possible.
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