Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Dr. Elisabeth Potter on Breast Reconstruction, Insurance Challenges, and Fighting for Patient Access
Jul 26, 2025
Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a leading reconstructive microsurgeon in Austin, shares her inspiring journey in breast cancer care. She discusses the challenges of navigating insurance hurdles that often inhibit patient access to quality breast reconstruction. Dr. Potter highlights the balance between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery and the need for systemic change to improve care models. She advocates for new approaches like concierge medicine to address healthcare shortages and improve patient rights amid the frustrations with current insurance practices.
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Dr. Potter's Professional Journey
- Dr. Elisabeth Potter is a leading reconstructive microsurgeon in Austin, Texas, treating about 40% of Central Texas women with breast cancer.
- She trained at Emory, UT Southwestern, and MD Anderson, aiming to bring high-quality microsurgery to community settings beyond academic centers.
Breast Reconstruction Awareness Gap
- Only about 40% of women know their options for breast reconstruction under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act.
- Many women lack access to advanced, natural tissue reconstruction which offers lifelong benefits over implants.
Insurance Threatens Independent Practices
- Insurance reimbursement structures and vertical integration threaten independent surgeons' ability to provide high-quality breast reconstruction in-network.
- The current system discourages top surgeons from sustaining private practices, risking patient access and quality care.