How much does the Flexitouch system cost?
$1,200 to $5,000
Tactile Medical’s Flexitouch system is used to self-manage lymphedema and nonhealing venous leg ulcers. It ranges in price from $1,200 to $5,000 depending on the model.
What is a Flexitouch pump?
Description. The Flexitouch System is a lymphedema pump that offers patients a clinically proven approach to self-management of lymphedema at home, and the opportunity to achieve improved levels of health and quality of life.
How does the Flexitouch work?
Flexitouch Plus works by sequentially inflating and deflating its chambers to create a gentle, wave-like motion that directs lymph fluid from the impaired area toward healthy regions of the body. The fluid is then naturally absorbed and processed by the body.
How long does it take for lymphedema pumps to work?
It generally takes 21 days of daily treatment to establish successful drainage. Once the patient is discharged from manual lymphatic drainage therapy, pump therapy is used to encourage fluid to keep moving through the new channels developed through MLD.
Does Medicare pay for lymphedema pump?
Medicare covers pneumatic compression devices, commonly called lymphedema pumps, for Medicare beneficiaries afflicted with lymphedema. Lymphedema is a relatively uncommon medical condition characterized by swelling of tissues in an affected body part due to accumulation of excessive fluid.
How often should you use a lymphedema pump?
The pump applies light pressure starting at the furthest point out of the body and gently squeezes towards the center of the body. This can be applied to any swollen area that is being treated. Using this 1-2 times per day can help with the long term management of swelling disorders.
What does a lymphedema pump do?
The goal of using a pump in the treatment of lymphedema is to move excess fluid out of the affected limb and return it to the cardiovascular system. A pump is used by some treatment facilities as part of a professional service.
How often should you use lymphedema pump?
Using this 1-2 times per day can help with the long term management of swelling disorders. This helps with both vein and lymphatic disorders. Important: A pneumatic compression pump is not a replacement for compression garments, exercise, or manual lymphatic drainage.
Are lymphedema pumps safe?
No complications in limb tissues were observed. The long-term, high pressure IPC, long inflation timed therapy can be safely be recommended to patients with lower limb lymphedema.
What foods to avoid when you have lymphedema?
Limit Certain Foods Some foods can exacerbate lymphedema symptoms because of the way they are processed and the additives or high salt content they contain. These foods include added sugars — specifically fructose — refined grains, chemically modified fats and most animal and dairy products.
How much do lymphedema pumps cost?
The most sophisticated and expensive pumps are coded E0652, and cost Medicare about $4,000 to $6000. This device is characterized by calibrated gradient pressure, capable of delivering individually determined pressure to each segmental unit.
Can you use a lymphedema pump too much?
“The use of a lymphedema pump remains controversial among lymphedema therapists,” Kim said. “It is costly and there are anecdotal reports that incorrect usage can actually cause the lymphedema to worsen by damaging the residual lymphatic vessels.
How long should you use a lymphedema pump?
Use the pump for 1 hour each day, unless otherwise instructed by your therapist. At the end of day (when the swelling is at its worst) is the best time to do it, unless you are unable to work this time/duration into your schedule.
What is the number one cause of lymphedema?
The most common causes of lymphedema include: Cancer. If cancer cells block lymph vessels, lymphedema may result. For instance, a tumor growing near a lymph node or lymph vessel could enlarge enough to block the flow of the lymph fluid.