BOC-CMF flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Underbust band measurement

Measurement taken snugly around the rib cage directly beneath the breasts at the end of exhalation, used as the basis for band size and prosthesis stability.

Base width measurement

Horizontal distance from the sternum to the midaxillary line across the chest wall, used to match a prosthesis to the chest wall footprint.

Vertical depth measurement

Distance from the inframammary fold to the axillary fold along the chest wall, used to choose prosthesis projection and height.

Chaperone in fitting

A third person present during a fitting at the patient's request or facility policy, documented in the record to protect both patient and fitter.

Refit interval

Scheduled reassessment of prosthesis and bra fit, commonly every 6 to 12 months early after surgery and annually thereafter or after weight change.

Axillary lymph nodes

Nodal group receiving most breast lymphatic drainage; removal during mastectomy raises lymphedema risk on the operated side.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy

Procedure removing the first draining lymph node or nodes to stage the axilla while sparing most nodes and lowering lymphedema risk.

Modified radical mastectomy

Breast removal with axillary lymph node dissection that preserves the pectoralis major muscle, leaving a chest wall contour suited to external prostheses.

Lymphedema warning signs

Persistent arm swelling, heaviness, tight rings or sleeves, and pitting edema appearing months or years after axillary surgery or radiation.

Intercostobrachial nerve

Sensory nerve often divided during axillary dissection, producing numbness along the inner upper arm and axilla that affects strap comfort.

Radiation fibrosis

Stiffening and retraction of irradiated chest wall tissue that reduces compliance and favors softer, lower-profile prostheses to avoid pressure points.

Autologous flap reconstruction

Rebuilding the breast with the patient's own tissue from abdomen, back, or thigh, producing a fixed contour that usually needs no external prosthesis.

Silicone gel prosthesis

Weighted breast form whose mass and drape most closely mimic natural tissue, sized by base width, projection, and gram weight.

Lightweight breast form

Foam or low-density silicone prosthesis used when weight reduction is needed, such as radiation sensitivity, large size, or shoulder strain.

Partial prosthesis or shaper

Weighted, shaped form designed to fill a lumpectomy defect and blend with remaining breast tissue rather than replace a full breast volume.

Attachable prosthesis

Breast form held by adhesive backing or a harness strap so it stays fixed against the chest wall during activity or under unstructured clothing.

Pocketed mastectomy bra

Bra with inner pockets that secure the prosthesis against the chest wall and distribute weight through a wide band and straps.

Cup size calculation

Difference in inches between full bust and band measurement: 1 inch equals A, 2 equals B, 3 equals C, 4 equals D, continuing upward.

Sister sizing

Rule that one band size larger with one cup letter smaller holds roughly the same cup volume, such as 36C and 38B.

Prosthesis care routine

Hand washing with mild soap, thorough drying, storage in a shaped cradle, and adhesive replacement at the manufacturer's stated interval.

Nipple prosthesis

Thin, self-adhering form placed on a reconstructed or flat chest wall to restore nipple contour; coded separately from breast prostheses.

Medicare prosthesis coverage

External breast prostheses and post-mastectomy bras are covered under the prosthetic benefit with a physician order and mastectomy diagnosis.

Replacement schedule

Medicare typically allows one external prosthesis per side every 24 months and up to three post-mastectomy bras every 6 months.

Physician order requirement

Written order from the treating physician stating the item, side, and diagnosis must be on file before dispensing and billing a prosthesis.

HCPCS L8000

Code for a mastectomy bra, the pocketed garment designed to hold an external breast prosthesis against the chest wall.

HCPCS L8030

Code describing a silicone breast prosthesis, distinguished in billing from foam, partial, and nipple prostheses.

HCPCS L8020

Code for a partial breast prosthesis or shaper used after lumpectomy or segmental resection to fill a contour defect.

Fitting documentation

Record of date, ordering physician, surgery type and date, side, measurements, product and code, and education provided at the visit.

Scope of practice limits

Fitters measure, select, and fit products; diagnosing, prescribing compression class, and wound care remain clinician responsibilities requiring referral.

Patient privacy in fitting

Fitting occurs in a private space, observers require patient consent, and health information is disclosed only for treatment, payment, or operations.

Adverse event reporting

Documentation and reporting of skin injury, adhesive reaction, or product failure to the facility and manufacturer per policy and instructions.

Bilateral asymmetry fitting

When chest wall measurements differ by about 1 cm or more, two different prosthesis sizes or shapes are selected to restore visual symmetry.

Scar and skin assessment

Pre-fitting inspection of the chest wall and strap lines for erythema, breakdown, or open wounds, which require clinical referral before fitting.