WHAT is (CDT/MLD)

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a clinically recognized, conservative treatment approach for the management of lymphedema and chronic edema. CDT is delivered by a qualified healthcare professional and may include:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Multi-layer compression bandaging
Skin care education
Therapeutic exercise
Self-management and risk-reduction education

Treatment plans are individualized based on clinical assessment findings.

Referral / Prescription (Rx) Information

A physician or nurse practitioner referral or prescription may be required for:

Initiation of CDT performed by a Registered Nurse
Extended health benefit reimbursement
Compression garments and medical supplies

Fax referrals and prescriptions to:
604-634-7449

Is CDT covered by MSP?

No. Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not currently fund CDT services in British Columbia.

What if the patient does not have extended health coverage?

If no coverage applies, services are considered private-pay (out-of-pocket). Patients may retain receipts for medical expense income tax claims (please consult your tax professional)..

Lymphedema Therapy Certification (Clinical Overview)

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is provided by a Registered Nurse (RN) with post-licensure certification in lymphedema therapy, practicing within the BCCNM scope and standards of nursing practice.

Certification as a Lymphedema Therapist requires:

Post-licensure education for regulated health professionals
Formal instruction in lymphatic anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Supervised training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and compression bandaging
Competency-based assessment and evaluation
Application of clinical judgment in assessment, treatment planning, and risk management

Care is delivered in accordance with BCCNM professional standards, evidence-informed practice, and recognized lymphedema care guidelines.

Ongoing Professional Accountability

Certified Lymphedema Therapists are required to practice within their professional regulatory scope.
Ongoing continuing education is required to maintain competency and evidence-based practice.
Care is delivered in alignment with recognized lymphedema management standards and nursing regulatory expectations.

Scope of Services

Services include:

Comprehensive lymphedema evaluation
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Multi-layer compression bandaging
Skin care and infection-risk education
Therapeutic exercise instruction
Long-term self-management planning

Treatment plans are individualized based on clinical findings.

Are bandaging and compression supplies covered?

Medical supplies such as:

Compression bandaging
Foam padding
Compression garments

are billed separately from therapy services. Coverage varies by insurer and plan..