Physician Information

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive medical condition affecting more than two million people nationwide. It is caused by a malformation of, or a disruption to, the lymphatic system, resulting in an abnormal and excessive accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the limbs, torso or other areas of the body.

When lymph vessels and/or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, blocked or removed, the lymphatic system cannot sufficiently absorb excess fluid and proteins from the interstitium after cell nourishment and transport these substances back to the circulatory system.

Primary and Secondary Lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is caused by congenital malformations of the lymphatic system and can be hereditary.

Secondary lymphedema is an acquired condition with a known cause, such as:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Trauma
  • Benign or malignant tumor growth
  • Infection
  • Iatrogenic causes
  • Obesity
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Filariasis
Implications

The symptoms of lymphedema can severely impact your patient’s mobility, dexterity, range of motion and ability to perform activities of daily living. If left untreated, the condition can lead to fibrosis and life-threatening infections.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for lymphedema, but with effective treatment, patients can manage the swelling, minimize infections, and improve their overall health and quality of life. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT), provided in-clinic by a trained lymphedema therapist, is considered the “Gold Standard” for the treatment of lymphedema.

CDT includes:

  • Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
  • Meticulous skin and nail care
  • Compression bandaging
  • Decongestive exercise
  • Instruction in self-management
How the Flexitouch System Can Help Your Patients

After discharge from in-clinic therapy, your patients will need to manage their lymphedema at home, a daily regimen that usually includes self-MLD therapy along with other treatment components. Many patients lack the strength, flexibility or physical skills to perform self-MLD consistently and effectively. Used daily to replace or augment self-MLD therapy, the Flexitouch system minimizes the obstacles to successful at-home treatment by automating self-MLD. Clinical research studies indicate that the Flexitouch system offers patients a way to extend the benefits of in-clinic treatment at home and improve their health and quality of life. Learn more >

Reimbursement

Over 280 healthcare plans, and government agencies including Medicare, provide insurance reimbursement for the Flexitouch system for patients who meet specific clinical criteria. Our dedicated staff of reimbursement specialists handles all the details, from verifying benefits to securing authorization for reimbursement. The Flexitouch system is available by prescription only.