Medicare Expedites Coverage of Compression Pumps for Lymphedema

July 1, 2001

Oncology NEWS International, Oncology NEWS International Vol 10 No 7, Volume 10, Issue 7

BALTIMORE, Md-Medicare will expedite coverage of pneumatic compression pumps for its beneficiaries with lymphedema. The new policy provides coverage for the pumps after a beneficiary undergoes conservative therapy, including elevation, exercise, and the use of a compression garment for a least 4 weeks without beneficial results. The new coverage eliminates the need for patients to buy a more expensive, custom-made compression garment before becoming eligible for a pump.

BALTIMORE, MdMedicare will expedite coverage of pneumatic compression pumps for its beneficiaries with lymphedema. The new policy provides coverage for the pumps after a beneficiary undergoes conservative therapy, including elevation, exercise, and the use of a compression garment for a least 4 weeks without beneficial results. The new coverage eliminates the need for patients to buy a more expensive, custom-made compression garment before becoming eligible for a pump.