INTRODUCTION TO LYMPH EDEMA EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

INTRODUCTION TO LYMPH EDEMA EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Diagnosing - Answer-- diagnostic testing - to determine which lymphatic region is not functioning appropriately o MRI o Lymphoscintigraphy - nuclear medical procedure - often used to identify if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes - looking for where the system is malfunctioning o Genetics testing - a few forms are genetically transported - Diagnosis of last resort - most common o May be misdiagnosed as edema Reimbursement - Answer-- Compression supplies NOT covered ** COMPRESSION IS GOLD STANDARD FOR TX) - lymphedema manual treatment is covered but not the supplies o Only in conjunction with wound care o Every facility handles supplies differently - Therapist's services covered under billing "cocktail" - Compression pumps covered only after 4-week trial of "conservative" therapy o BUT will not cover manual therapy AND pump at the same time o Gold standard