Everything you need to know before your visit.
Here's what to expect when you come to our clinic.
To make the most of your first appointment, please:
If available, please bring or have your doctor send:
Complete intake paperwork and provide insurance information. Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for this process.
Your therapist will review your medical history, examine the affected area, take measurements, and discuss your symptoms and goals.
We'll explain your diagnosis, recommended treatment approach, expected timeline, and answer all your questions.
Depending on your condition, we may begin treatment during your first visit or schedule your treatment sessions.
We work with most major insurance plans and are committed to helping you understand your coverage.
Most insurance plans cover lymphedema and wound care treatment when medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend verifying your benefits before your first visit.
Coverage varies by plan. Contact us to verify your specific benefits.
Some insurance plans require a physician referral for specialty services. Check with your insurance or call us—we can help determine if you need a referral.
Certain treatments or compression garments may require prior authorization. Our staff handles this process and will notify you of any requirements.
Many insurance plans cover medical compression garments with a prescription. We can help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits.
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. Payment plans may be available for qualifying patients. Please discuss options with our billing staff.
Answers to common questions about our services and treatments.
It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician or specialist, while others allow self-referral. Contact us or your insurance company to determine your specific requirements. If you do need a referral, we can help coordinate with your physician.
Initial evaluations typically take 45-60 minutes to allow time for a thorough assessment and treatment planning. Follow-up treatment sessions generally last 45-60 minutes depending on the treatment being provided. We schedule adequate time to ensure you receive quality, unhurried care.
Treatment frequency depends on your specific condition and phase of treatment. During the intensive phase of lymphedema treatment, patients typically come 3-5 times per week for 2-4 weeks. Wound care patients may need 1-3 visits per week. As you progress, visit frequency decreases. Your therapist will discuss the recommended schedule during your evaluation.
CDT is the gold standard treatment for lymphedema, consisting of four components: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (a gentle massage technique), compression bandaging, therapeutic exercises, and skin care. This comprehensive approach effectively reduces swelling and helps maintain results long-term.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, rhythmic technique that most patients find relaxing. Compression bandaging may feel unusual at first but should not be painful. If you experience discomfort during any part of treatment, let your therapist know immediately so adjustments can be made.
For most lymphedema patients, wearing compression garments during waking hours is a long-term requirement to maintain treatment results. However, the type and level of compression may change over time. Your therapist will work with you to find comfortable, effective garments that fit your lifestyle.
Many insurance plans cover medical compression garments when prescribed by a physician. Coverage varies by plan—some cover a set number of garments per year, while others may have different limitations. Our staff can help verify your specific coverage and assist with documentation.
Healing time varies significantly depending on wound type, size, location, and underlying health factors. Some wounds heal within weeks, while others may take months. During your evaluation, we'll provide a realistic timeline based on your specific situation. Our goal is steady progress toward complete healing.
Wounds that haven't responded to previous treatment often benefit from specialized care. We thoroughly evaluate why healing has stalled and implement targeted interventions. Our experience with complex, non-healing wounds allows us to try different approaches that may not have been attempted previously.
This depends on your specific wound and treatment plan. Some dressings are designed to stay in place for several days, while others need more frequent changes. We'll teach you proper dressing change techniques if home care is needed and provide detailed written instructions.
Yes, the Southpointe Medical Complex has ample free parking directly in front of our building. Handicap accessible spaces are available near the entrance.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated. For leg treatments, shorts or loose pants that can be rolled up are ideal. For arm treatments, a sleeveless or loose-sleeved top works well. Avoid lotions or creams on the treatment area on appointment days.
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring a family member or friend, especially to your first visit. Having support can help you remember information discussed and may be useful for learning home care techniques.
Protecting your health information is a top priority. We are fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and take extensive measures to safeguard your personal and medical information.
A complete copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices is available at our office upon request.
We understand that schedules change. We ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
When appointments are cancelled without adequate notice, it prevents other patients from receiving care during that time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations may result in a fee or discharge from the practice.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us serve all patients effectively.
If you have additional questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to contact us.