[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 Social Development.

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).

  • Dr. Brian Kunimoto, dermatologist, at the Vancouver General Hospital Wound Healing Clinic, 711 West 12th Avenue at:(604) 875-5255 sees persons with lymphedema who have develop wounds related to lymphedema.

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

    The BC Cancer Agency Lymphedema Control Program no longer exists. Their publication, "Management of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema" however can still be downloaded, at www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/TypesofCancer/Breast/Rehabilitation/default.htm

    A special thank you to the BC Cancer Agency for providing us with this latest list of physiotherapy clinics in B.C.

    For more information on lymphedema treatment programs in B.C.
    contact the B.C. Lymphedema Association at: www.bclymph.org/

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    Last revised Dec. 17, 2011.