Lymphedema Coverage Policy

OB/GYN News, June 15, 2001 by Sally Peters

A new Medicare policy expedites coverage of pneumatic compression pumps for the treatment of lymphedema and no longer refers to the pumps as treatments "of last resort." The move expands treatment options for patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery, which is the leading cause of lymphedema, according to HHS.

Under the new policy Medicare will cover the pump only if a beneficiary first undergoes more conservative therapies, such as elevation, exercise, and the use of a compression garment for at least 4 weeks without results.

COPYRIGHT 2001 International Medical News Group
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning

 

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