Yes, Medicare now covers lymphedema compression supplies like garments and bandages thanks to the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) (effective Jan 1, 2024), but coverage for the therapy sessions themselves depends on existing Medicare benefits (like Part B for physical therapy) or your specific Medicare Advantage plan. The LTA created a new benefit category for necessary compression items, while therapy services fall under standard benefits, often requiring a doctor's referral.
Is there treatment available in the public health system? If you have lymphoedema and hold a Medicare card, you are eligible to use Australia's free health care system. However, it's important to note that not all of Australia's hospitals provide lymphoedema services.
Medicare covers custom fitted (custom or non-standard) gradient compression garments. Custom fitted gradient compression garments are uniquely sized and shaped to fit the exact dimensions of the affected extremity of an individual to provide accurate gradient compression to treat lymphedema.
Lymphatic drainage costs typically range from $80 to $150 per hour, with shorter sessions (30-45 mins) around $75-$110 and longer sessions (60-90 mins) often $100-$170+, depending on location, therapist experience, and package deals, with packages sometimes lowering the per-session cost. Expect prices to vary significantly between wellness spas, specialized clinics, and individual therapists.
Average cost for conservative management was $14,648 per patient, with an average out-of-pocket expense of $9,765. Payments for pump therapy averaged $8,470±$21,223 compared to $1,360±$4,159 for compression, a significant difference (p<0.001).
Depending on the cause of your lymphedema, a medical doctor may play an integral role in your diagnosis and treatment plan. Lymphedema in cancer patients is often addressed with the help of an oncologist, while lymphedema caused by CVI and other vascular diseases requires the help of a vascular specialist.
What Are Lymphedema Home Treatment Options?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) helps detoxify the body and boost immunity. Frequency of sessions varies based on your goals: once a month for general wellness, 2–3 times a week for recovery. Ideal for post-surgery recovery, managing lymphedema, fatigue, and stress.
Medicare does not cover remedial massage. Medicare covers some hospital, medical and pharmaceutical health care costs. For example, it covers the cost of seeing a GP or specialist and getting tests and scans, such as x-rays.
For instance, if a doctor prescribes lymphatic drainage massage as part of treatment for a specific medical condition like lymphedema, your insurance might cover it. However, for general wellness or detoxification purposes, you're likely going to pay out of pocket.
When you wear compression stockings, the gentle, graduated pressure squeezes your legs, pushing excess fluid (edema) and blood from tissues back into the deep veins and lymphatic channels, helping it flow upwards towards the heart, preventing pooling, and improving circulation for better nutrient delivery and waste removal. This aids your body in clearing the fluid naturally through the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Avoid wearing tight clothing or jewellery. Where possible, try to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time if you have leg swelling. Keep your nails short and clean. Wear correctly fitting supportive shoes if you have lymphoedema in the legs.
Whether a health condition or medical treatment caused lymphedema, lymphatic drainage massage could be a valuable aspect of your care plan. It's not right for everyone, though. If you're curious about lymphatic massage, talk to your healthcare provider.
Medicare may cover your gradient compression garments (standard and custom-fitted) and gradient compression wraps with adjustable straps and compression bandaging supplies if you've been diagnosed with lymphedema, and your doctor or other health care provider prescribes them.
Yes, Medicare covers physiotherapy for eligible Australians with chronic conditions or complex needs via a GP referral under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, offering rebates for up to 5 allied health sessions per year, but it's usually not completely free, requiring a gap payment for the physio's full fee, though the rebate significantly reduces costs. You need a GP to assess eligibility, create a care plan, and provide a referral for these subsidised sessions.
Any condition or procedure that damages your lymphatic system can cause lymphedema, including surgery and radiation. One of the most common causes in the United States is a procedure known as axillary node surgery, most commonly associated with breast cancer treatment.
Generally, most vision, dental and hearing services are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Other services not covered by Medicare Parts A and B include: Routine physical exams. Cosmetic surgery.
Massage red flags include professionalism issues (no license, unsanitary space, unprofessional boundaries, inappropriate touch, poor communication, body shaming) and physical warning signs (sharp pain, numbness/weakness, nausea, intense pain that takes your breath away, symptoms that worsen or don't improve). Trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable, and prioritize a therapist who respects your boundaries, communicates clearly, and maintains professional standards for hygiene and draping, as indicated by this article from All Bodies Massage Therapy.
While original Medicare does not cover massage therapy, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer it as part of their expanded benefits.
Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.
Lymphatic massage (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) is contraindicated for acute infections, malignant tumors, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), severe heart conditions (like congestive heart failure), kidney failure, and open wounds, as it can spread infection or worsen fluid imbalances; it's crucial to consult a doctor and a certified therapist, especially if you have issues like asthma, thyroid problems, or are pregnant.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Also known as deep belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing is vital for assisting the movement of lymphatic fluid. This breathing technique involves inhaling deeply through the nose, allowing the diaphragm to contract and the abdomen to expand, followed by exhaling slowly.
There is little evidence to support taking naturopathic medicines or supplements such as selenium to help reduce lymphoedema symptoms.
Yes, magnesium supports lymphatic drainage by helping muscles contract and relax properly, which moves lymph fluid through your body. This mineral also reduces inflammation and supports the smooth muscle cells in lymph vessels.
Lymphedema Treatment