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Financial Assistance for Compression Garments
8th NLN Conference, August 27-31, 2008, San Diego CA
Groundbreaking Medicare Decision:
Compression Garments are Prosthetic Devices!
New Book: 4th ed, Lymphedema: Diagnosis and Therapy, H. Weissleder
For Professionals: NLN Research Survey
Updated NLN Online Patient Questionnaire
NLN Position Papers: Risk Reduction, Treatment, Exercise, Air Travel, Training
Seeking Patients: Breast Cancer Survivor Studies
Q: I've been denied coverage for my garments by my HMO insurance provider, but I've heard that I can appeal this decision. Do you have any specific guidelines for doing this?
A: You are certainly not alone in your struggle. The problem with garments and bandages is that most insurance providers consider them "Durable Medical Equipment," the same category as wheelchairs and walkers. We need to educate our medical communities and legislators about Complete Decongestive Therapy and its four essential components:
Certainly DO appeal this decision through your provider! Here are my suggestions:
Bob Weiss and his wife were successful in gaining coverage for bandages in California as have been a number of other patients and advocates (see the "Letters to the Editor" section in this issue). We need many more to appeal and follow the chain of legislative command to convince our politicians. We would like to form a subcommittee to address the growing legislative concerns. If you are interested in this grassroots effort, please contact the NLN office!
Q: I have lymphedema, but I live in an extremely rural area and my healthcare providers don't seem to have any guidance for me. How can I connect with other people in a similar situation?
A: Your lymphedema therapist may have the name of a support group or you might just be the person to help initiate a Support Group in your area! In addition, the NLN can put you in contact with Penpals (or Netpals) from around the country who are facing similar concerns/issues. The internet has a good bit of information on lymphedema, as well. If you do not have access to the internet at home, most public libraries have computers with internet access and staff who are willing to assist you in getting started.
Q: I have lymphedema and I'm getting so tired of hearing, "it's not swollen too bad" or "you can live with a little swelling." Is there anything I can do to change the widespread ignorance about lymphedema among most healthcare providers? Do you have a "fact sheet" about lymphedema or something along those lines that I could give to my healthcare professional?
A: Bob Weiss, lymphactivist, has drafted a basic fact sheet for lymphedema that he has agreed to share with all of our readers. Here is his list:
My Thanks to Bob Weiss for his untiring support of lymphedema patients and for sharing this information.
Please address questions to: Editor c/o NLN, Latham Square, 1611 Telegraph Avenue, Suite 1111, Oakland, CA 94612-2138 or e-mail: nln@lymphnet.org. Deadlines for submissions (for the following issue) are: Feb 15, May 15, Aug 15, Nov 15.