THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Lymphedema
Please add occupational therapist to revise the sentence at the end of this section, as follows.
…the services are being performed by a physician and/or licensed physical or occupational
therapist who has received specialized training in this form of treatment.
Concerns with limiting coverage to one to two weeks for purposes of establishing a home treatment
program were discussed above under the discussion related to vasopneumatic devices. The same clinical risks are associated with massage and manual therapy techniques that increase circulation to decrease the edema. Depending upon the clinical condition of the patient, home treatment may not be appropriate and coverage for lymphedema treatment should be allowed when objective evidence of its efficacy is demonstrated. AOTA requests that the language be changed to reflect this.
