Knowledge Center
Cohen Howard Managing Partner Leslie S. Howard Quoted in Law360 Article on UnitedHealthcare Breast Reconstruction Coverage Litigation
Cohen Howard LLP Managing Partner Leslie S. Howard was quoted in an April 23, 2026, Law360 article entitled, “No Class Cert. Redo in United Healthcare Breast Surgery Fight.”
The article discusses Joseph F. Tamburrino, M.D., as an assignee and authorized representative of his patient L.K., and Barbara Williams v. United Healthcare Insurance Company, Case No. 2:21-cv-12766. That case against UnitedHealthcare concerns alleged denials of reimbursement for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction procedures known as DIEP flap reconstructions when performed by co-surgeons or with assistant surgeons.
DIEP flap reconstruction uses a patient’s own abdominal skin and fat to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy without sacrificing abdominal muscle, which the complaint describes as the “gold-standard for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.” The complaint further alleges that DIEP flap reconstruction can provide significantly better cosmetic results, better psychological outcomes, lower risk of reconstruction failure, and fewer abdominal-wall complications than other options. Because DIEP flap reconstruction is a complex microsurgical procedure that can involve lengthy operative times, the use of co-surgeons or assistant surgeons promotes patient safety and reduces the length of the surgery.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer – as quoted in Law360
Cohen Howard LLP, which is an affiliate of CH Revenue Management Solutions, is proud to continue advocating on behalf of patients and providers seeking fair coverage, including for medically necessary breast reconstruction care.