Lymphoedema compression garments

Compression garment scheme

Under our Compression Garment Scheme we can supply free medical compression garments to eligible adults with a diagnosis of lymphoedema.

Who can prescribe compression garments

Both public and private providers can prescribe and order compression garments under the scheme.

To prescribe garments under the scheme, you must:

• have a degree in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology or podiatry
• be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or be a member of Speech Pathology Australia
• for private providers, be on, or eligible for, the National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register.

All prescribers should read our guidelines for prescribing compression garments for adults with lymphoedema (PDF 346 kB) to learn more about patient eligibility and how to prescribe and supply garments.

If you work for Queensland Health you may be able to supply garments if you meet other criteria. Ask your Hospital and Health Service (HHS) for more information on their processes for prescribing and ordering garments.

How to prescribe garments

Before you prescribe compression garments for your patient, they need a detailed lymphoedema assessment and treatment plan. If compression garments are a suitable treatment, your patient also needs a separate assessment for the prescription of the compression garments. Read section 8.1.1 in our guidelines for more information.

Eligible adults are entitled to 2 free garments per body part in a single supply process. You may prescribe replacement garments every 6 months based on a review of clinical need. A prescription is valid for 6 months.

How to order garments

When you're ready to prescribe and order compression garments under the scheme:

1. Check the patient is eligible for free compression garments.
2. Prescribe garments that are clinically appropriate and cost effective.
3. Fill in the compression garment order form (PDF 335 kB) and send it to your patient’s nearest HHS.
4. Explain the process of receiving, fitting and maintaining the compression garment to the patient.

The HHS or the supplier will send you the garments so you can check they fit your patient. They’ll only arrange and pay for orders that meet all criteria under the scheme.

Choosing the right garment

Ready to wear compression garments are preferred. If the ready to wear garment is unlikely to meet the patient's clinical need, you may prescribe a custom made garment, adjustable wrap or nighttime garment.

We list several preferred suppliers on the order form. If your patient needs garments from another supplier, ask the HHS about their processes for approval. All compression garments you order under the scheme must be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.