Referring Providers

Physicians and nurse practitioners may refer patients to our clinic for nursing-led lymphedema assessment, education, and ongoing management, provided by a Registered Nurse (RN) with post-licensure certification in lymphedema care, practicing within the scope of nursing in British Columbia.

Services are intended to support medical management, enhance patient education, and assist with safe, long-term self-management of lymphedema and chronic edema. Care is delivered in collaboration with the referring provider and other regulated healthcare professionals.

Referral / Prescription May Indicate:

Nursing lymphedema assessment and clinical monitoring
Nursing management of lymphedema based on CDT principles

Referrals may be faxed or provided directly to the patient. Services are provided within the scope of nursing practice in British Columbia and are intended to complement, not replace, physician or physiotherapy care. Clinical summaries or progress updates are available to referring providers upon request to support coordinated, interdisciplinary care.

Prescription Guidance

Prescription Writing Guidance

To help prevent insurance denials and PharmaCare delays, compression therapy prescriptions should clearly include:

Medical diagnosis (e.g., Primary or Secondary Lymphedema)
Affected limb(s)
Clinical rationale confirming medical necessity
Garment type and compression level (e.g., 20–30 mmHg, 30–40 mmHg, custom if required)
Quantity: Two garments per limb
Replacement frequency: Every 4–6 months
Length of need: Lifetime (for chronic conditions)

Example wording:

“Length of need: Lifetime secondary to chronic lymphedema. Requires two maintenance garments per limb annually, replaced every 4–6 months.”

Nursing Support (If Applicable):
Prescriptions may include nursing-led lymphedema care. These services support clinical monitoring, skilled compression management, skin integrity preservation, prevention of complications including cellulitis or wound recurrence, nursing assessment, education, and structured lymphedema supportive management, as safe and effective management requires skilled nursing assessment and compression oversight.

Complex Patient Coordination:
For patients with unique or complex circumstances, Sensible Wellness supports coordinated care through joint visits with care teams such as Home Health or Assisted Living when appropriate.

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and is not legal or medical advice. Prescribing decisions remain at the sole discretion of the treating provider. Sensible Wellness is not responsible for insurer coverage decisions or misuse of this information.

Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Scope of Nursing Lymphedema Services

Lymphedema management services are provided by a Registered Nurse (RN) with post-licensure certification in lymphedema care, practicing within the scope and standards established by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Nursing-led lymphedema services are intended to support medical management, reinforce patient education, and promote safe, long-term self-management of lymphedema and chronic edema.

Care is delivered in collaboration with referring physicians, physiotherapists, and other regulated healthcare professionals and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis, physician management, or physiotherapy services.

Professional Accountability

Services are delivered within the RN’s regulated scope of practice
Ongoing continuing education supports clinical competence and current best practices
Practice aligns with nursing regulatory expectations and recognized standards of lymphedema care

Compression & Medical Supplies

Medical supplies, including compression bandaging materials, foam padding, and compression garments, are billed separately from professional nursing services. Coverage for supplies varies by insurer and individual benefit plan. Supporting clinical documentation is provided when required to assist with insurance reimbursement.