[H11] Establishing and Marketing a Successful Lymphedema Practice

Jan Weiss, PT, CLT-LANA 

Lymphedema therapy has been a rapidly growing medical service in the US since therapists, nurses, and physicians began receiving formal training in the 1990’s. Currently in many areas, patients are able to receive much needed care for lymphatic disorders from well trained practitioners. However, despite proper medical training in the management of such disorders, many therapists are at a loss as to how to develop and promote an effective lymphedema therapy service upon returning to their home of practice. This session will identify and provide suggestions for development of a successful lymphedema clinic. Listed below will be some of the areas of presentation:

• Feasibility of establishing a Lymphedema Treatment Center

  How to assess the need for a clinic in your area?

  What will set your clinic apart as excellent?

• Personnel

  What type of practitioner should first be trained to perform the lymphedema therapy, and who should be next?

  Other important staff to contribute to lymphedema care.

• Supplies

  Pros, cons, and information on providing supplies for treatment.

• Treatment location

  Important considerations for where patients will be treated.

  What special equipment may be of assistance?

• Services provided

  What services will your clinic offer to provide the most effective and quality care with the resources you have?

  What will set your clinic apart as excellent?

• Marketing

  Who do you reach out to and how?

  Does your Lymphedema Practice market itself?

• Profitability and billing

  Tough issues with uncertain answers.

  How can productivity be enhanced without compromising quality?

• Keeping the momentum going

  How does your Practice keep growing and providing excellent care?