For Patients
The process for patients.
Compression therapy starts with your provider. Once we have your prescription and paperwork, we take it from there — insurance verification, fitting, billing and refills. Here is exactly what to expect.
Compression pumps · wraps · ready-to-wear garments · night garments · custom flat knit
Step 1
Start with your provider
To begin compression therapy you need a prescription from your physician. If you want to use insurance, your plan will also want documentation and, in most cases, prior authorization.
Get a prescription
Ask your physician or lymphedema therapist for a prescription for a compression pump or garment. Print the right form below and bring it with you.
Recent progress note
Most plans want a signed progress note from the past six months that documents your diagnosis. If you do not have one, your therapist can provide it.
Current measurements
If you are using insurance, plans generally expect that you are treated for lymphedema each year and that your measurements are up to date.
Not sure what to ask for? Call 800-883-1549 or text (517) 657-5223 and we will tell you exactly what your plan will want to see.
Step 2
What happens next
Send us the paperwork by fax, email or through your therapist — then you are done. Here is what we do.
We contact you
Within two business days of receiving your paperwork.
We check your benefits
We verify your coverage in writing and go over your cost with you before anything is ordered.
We fit you
A Certified Compression Therapist measures and fits you, and sets you up on your pump so you know how to use it.
We handle the rest
Billing, appeals, refills and replacement eligibility. We reach out when you are due for new garments.
Insurance rules
Prescription garments and pumps have strict rules
Insurance sets strict criteria for prescription compression garments and pneumatic compression pumps — a prescription from your physician, a documented diagnosis such as lymphedema, current measurements, and in most cases prior authorization. We check every requirement for you before anything is ordered.
If your insurance does not cover it, contact us and we can determine whether you are eligible to buy direct.
Coverage — compression garments
What most plans cover
Most insurers have followed the Lymphedema Treatment Act, which created a benefit category for doctor-prescribed compression garments. The quantities below are the allowances most plans work to. We verify your actual benefit in writing before anything is ordered.
Compression pumps are different. Pneumatic compression devices are not covered under the Lymphedema Treatment Act garment benefit — they are approved under separate device criteria, with their own documentation and prior authorization requirements. Call us and we will tell you what your plan will want to see.
Want to know if your insurance covers it?
Send us your information and we will check your benefits for you. There is no cost and no obligation.
Midwest Compression is not billing Medicare or Medicaid at this time. All insurance plans vary, and most cover garments only with a specific diagnosis such as lymphedema. Cash pay is available for patients who do not fit insurance criteria. HSA and FSA cards and all major credit cards are accepted.
Forms & downloads
Bring these to your appointment
Print the form that matches what you need and take it to your physician or therapist. Everything below is also on the New Patient Forms page, together with your intake, consent and insurance paperwork.
Compression pumps
Your provider completes the referral form and faxes it to 800-886-4201 with your face sheet and progress notes.
- Compression Pump Referral FormBring this to your provider
- Pneumatic Compression Device CriteriaWhat insurance looks for
Compression garments
Take the prescription form for the affected limb to your physician or lymphedema therapist.
- Upper extremity RXArm, hand or chest
- Lower extremity RXLeg, foot or truncal