The implementation of the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) has been a major step forward for patients — expanding access to compression garments and improving long-term care outcomes.
But with that progress comes change.
In this Big Day of Training session, Compression Care co-founder Steve Lewig and Senior Case Manager Claudia Dixon walk through how the new Medicare standard is reshaping:
- Garment selection strategies
- Plan of care documentation
- Use of wraps and accessories
- And even your professional risk as a provider
If you are treating lymphedema patients or prescribing compression therapy, this is essential viewing.
The New Reality: A Defined Medicare Standard
For the first time, Medicare has clearly defined what the at-home maintenance phase should include:
- 3 daytime garments per affected body part (every 6 months)
- 2 nighttime garments per affected body part (every 24 months)
- Accessories as medically necessary
This shift changes more than coverage — it changes expectations.
Providers must now think more strategically about how garments are selected, ordered, and documented.
Best Practices for Ordering Garments
One key takeaway from the session: order smarter, not slower.
For daytime garments:
- Order all three at once
- Reduce delays, duplicate shipping, and administrative burden
- Improve patient experience with faster access
For custom garments:
- Ship one for fit
- Release remaining garments upon approval
For nighttime garments:
- Either order both at once (wash/wear rotation)
- Or space orders based on patient preference
The goal is simple: make the process more efficient while supporting patient compliance.
Where Velcro Wraps Fit In
Velcro wraps have become increasingly popular — especially in cases where:
- Bandaging is not practical
- Patients need easier donning options
- Reduction is still ongoing
By default, Medicare considers wraps as day garments.
However, this session highlights an important strategy:
➡️ When combined with a pad or swell spot, wraps can be counted as night garments
This gives providers more flexibility when building a garment plan — especially early in treatment.
It also reinforces a key theme: there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best outcomes come from using a mix of tools tailored to the patient.
Documentation Matters More Than Ever
With Medicare audits already underway, documentation has become a critical focus.
Two areas receiving the most scrutiny:
1. Justification for Custom Garments
Providers must clearly document why custom is medically necessary.
2. Justification for Accessories
Items like:
- Silicone bands
- Zippers
- Swell spots
- Skin care products
…must include clinical reasoning, not just patient preference.
To support this, Compression Care has created cheat sheets with sample language based on successful audits — helping providers stay compliant and confident.
A New Consideration: Professional Risk
One of the most important (and often overlooked) insights from this session is how the new standard impacts professional risk.
Now that Medicare has defined a clear baseline, providers are expected to:
➡️ Recommend care that meets or exceeds that standard
For example:
- If Medicare allows 3 daytime garments and 2 nighttime garments
- Recommending less — without justification — could create liability
The key principle:
You recommend the standard. The patient decides what they ultimately use.
This approach protects both:
- The patient’s outcomes
- And your professional responsibility
Supporting Patient Affordability
While recommendations should meet the standard, patient choice still matters.
Compression Care supports this through:
- Benefit verification
- Payment plans
- Lowest out-of-pocket cost guidance
- Alternative purchasing options
This ensures patients can make informed decisions without compromising care recommendations.
Why This Replay Matters
This session is not just about compliance — it’s about delivering better care in a changing environment.
You’ll walk away with:
- Clear garment ordering strategies
- Better understanding of Medicare expectations
- Practical documentation guidance
- Tools to reduce risk and improve patient outcomes
Watch the Replay
Stay compliant. Stay confident. Deliver better care.
👉 Watch the full session replay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCMNEbnYEow
Short Replay Promo Email
Subject: New Medicare Standard? Watch This Replay
Hi [First Name],
The new Medicare standard under the Lymphedema Treatment Act is changing how we approach compression therapy.
If you missed this Big Day of Training session, now’s the time to catch up.
In this replay, Compression Care breaks down:
- Updated garment guidelines (3 day / 2 night)
- How to optimize garment selection
- When and how to use wraps
- Documentation tips from real audit feedback
- How to reduce professional risk
This is practical, actionable guidance you can use immediately.
👉 Watch the replay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCMNEbnYEow
— Compression Care
3 Social Media Posts
Post 1 – Education Focus
The new Medicare standard is here — are you adapting your garment strategy?
In this Big Day of Training session, we break down:
✔ 3 day / 2 night garment guidelines
✔ Ordering best practices
✔ Documentation requirements
✔ Real-world clinical implications
Watch the replay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCMNEbnYEow
#CompressionCare #LymphedemaCare #MedicalEducation
Post 2 – Clinical Insight
Velcro wraps = more flexibility than you think.
Did you know wraps can be counted as night garments when paired with padding?
This session walks through how to:
• Optimize garment combinations
• Improve patient compliance
• Stay within Medicare guidelines
🎥 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCMNEbnYEow
#CompressionTherapy #LymphedemaSupport #HealthcareEducation
Post 3 – Risk + Value Angle
The standard has changed — and so has your responsibility.
With Medicare now defining compression care expectations, providers must:
✔ Recommend the full standard of care
✔ Document clinical decisions clearly
✔ Let patients make informed choices
This replay explains exactly how.
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCMNEbnYEow
#ClinicalExcellence #CompressionCare #MedicalProfessionals