[decorative logo]Lymphovenous Canada: Treatment Programs in British Columbia

The British Columbia Ministry of Health funds medically required hospital treatment if the individual has been referred by a physician. Hospital-based physiotherapy is available at some facilities and requires referral from a physician.

The services of physiotherapists in private practice are not a benefit of the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Some private medical plans may reimburse their members for a portion of the cost of these services.

Physiotherapy, along with chiropractic, naturopathy, massage therapy and non-surgical podiatry, is a "supplementary benefit" that is limited to beneficiaries in receipt of MSP premium assistance. British Columbians receiving premium assistance are eligible to have MSP pay $23 per private visit towards a combined annual limit of 10 visits each calendar year. Effective April 1, 2008, acupuncturist services were included among the choice of services available. In addition, recipients of income assistance may qualify for an additional 12 visits through the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance.

For patients who have received a full mastectomy and who have paid the relevant deductibles, Pharmacare will cover most of the cost of:

  1. breast prosthesis and two bras within 6 months of surgery;
  2. breast prosthesis every two years; and
  3. compression sleeves and gauntlets

Although B.C. does not have an Assistive Devices Program, some financial assistance may be provided on a sliding scale basis to purchase extremity pumps through the Ministry of Human Resources. The multiple compression pump treatments necessary for lymphedema control are provided at no cost in a cancer clinic or hospital setting. The Medical Services Plan of B.C. does not cover the cost of manual lymph drainage (MLD) or complex decongestive therapy (CDP).

Click here for information on the B.C. Cancer Agency Lymphedema Control Program.

[small decorative logo] Physiotherapy Lymphedema Programs in B.C.

For up to date information, consumers are encouraged to contact:

  • The BC Cancer Agency Library (information on this organization is found below), or
  • Dr. Brian Kunimoto, dermatologist, at the Vancouver General Hospital Wound Healing Clinic, 711 West 12th Avenue at:(604) 875-5255

    A special thank you to the BC Cancer Agency for providing us with this latest version of the list.

    The BC Cancer Agency Lymphedema Control Program, Vancouver Cancer Centre

    600 West 10th Ave., Vancouver B.C. V5Z 4E6
    Web site: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca
    e-mail: webmaster@bccancer.bc.ca
    Telephone (604) 877-6000
    FAX (604) 872-4596

    The BC Cancer Agency Lymphedema Control Program began in Sept. 1987. Compression garments, education and exercises are integral components of the program. The program assesses and treats arm or leg limb lymphedema secondary to cancer conditions including Breast Cancer. Their publication, "Management of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema" can be requested in pamphlet form the Cancer Information Service at: or the BCCA library at:
    (604) 675-8001 phone
    1-888-675-8000, local 8001 (only in B.C. and the Yukon)
    (604) 675-8009 fax
    library@bccancer.bc.ca
    www.bccancer.bc.ca

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    Last revised April 8, 2008.