![]() ![]() Medicare covers PCDs in the home setting for the treatment of lymphedema if the patient has undergone a 4-week trial of conservative therapy and the treating physician determines that there has been no significant improvement or if significant symptoms remain after the trial. Signs of CVI include hyperpigmentation, stasis dermatitis, chronic edema, and venous ulcers. ( LCD 元3829)Ĭhronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities is a condition caused by abnormalities of the venous wall and valves, leading to obstruction or reflux of blood flow in the veins. Secondary lymphedema may also result from compression of the lymphatic and venous channels resulting from leakage of fluid into interstitial tissues in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. ( NCD 280.6) It is most commonly caused by surgery (especially lymph node dissection, such as for breast cancer), radiation therapy (especially axillary or inguinal), trauma, lymphatic obstruction by tumor, and, in developing countries, lymphatic filariasis. Secondary lymphedema, which is much more common, results from the destruction of or damage to formerly functioning lymphatic channels, such as surgical removal of lymph nodes or post radiation fibrosis, among other causes. Primary lymphedema is a relatively uncommon, chronic condition which may be due to such causes as Milroy's Disease or congenital anomalies. Lymphedema is divided into two broad classes according to etiology. The accumulation of lymph fluid results from impairment to the normal clearing function of the lymphatic system and/or from an excessive production of lymph. Lymphedema is the swelling of subcutaneous tissues due to the accumulation of excessive lymph fluid. ( See the National Coverage Determination Manual (NCD) 280.6) Medicare covers pneumatic devices for the treatment of lymphedema or for the treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) with venous stasis ulcers. The garment is intermittently inflated and deflated with cycle times and pressures that vary between devices. Pneumatic compression devices consist of an inflatable garment for the arm or leg and an electrical pneumatic pump that fills the garment with compressed air. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |