If we aren't part of the solution, we are part of the problem. Due to length, this will be posted in two segments.
CVI and Lymphedema Patient Rights Bill Part One As Written By: Cheri Hoskins (Healthtronix) and Cyndi Ortiz (Nevada Lymphatic and Cascular)
10/30/04
Definitions:
"Health Insurer" means any company, organization, private entity, self-funded entity, or government agency (Medicare and Medicaid and administrators thereof), health maintenance organizations, and private insurance companies contracted to provide health care coverage for Medicare recipients, Veterans Administration, United States Military, CHAMPUS or any entity that provides or represents itself as providing assistance for coverage for health care expenses.
"Lymphedema" means a disease in which the lymph system is not functioning correctly or is blocked causing one or more parts of the body to become chronically edematous. This law defines Lymphedema as being caused by a congenital or hereditary defect, removal of lymph nodes, surgical interruption, radiation, or unknown cause.
"Chronic" This law defines chronic as one or more sign or symptom, edema, hyperpigmentation, wounds, being present for six months or more.
"Chronic Venous Insufficiency" means a disease of the veins in which blood return to the heart is not sufficient. This law lists the symptoms of venous insufficiency as chronic edema, hyperpigmentation, stasis dermatitis, and pain.
"Peripheral Vascular Disease" means an abnormal condition of the blood vessels outside the heart and lymph vessels. This law lists the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease as numbness, pain, hyperpigmentation, elevated blood pressure, and impaired arterial pulsations.
"External Compression" means various forms of external compression modalities
"Manual Lymph Drainage or MLD" means manipulative physical therapy technique that assists in opening pathways for lymph to flow.
"Combined Decongestive Therapy or "CDT" means and or includes manual lymph drainage, gradient bandaging, remedial exercises, circumferential measurements, nutritional instructions, and instructions on proper skin care.
"Certified Lymphedema Therapists" means a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist, message therapist, registered nurse, or licensed practical/vocational nurse who has received at least 135 hours of training specific to lymphatic and vascular disease, manual lymph drainage, and combined decongestive therapy by an independent certification entity or agency.
"Treating Physician" A Physcian or Medical Doctor, Physician's Assistant, or Podiatrist who is treating the patient for lymphatic and/or vascular disease.
