Providers · By specialty

Lymphedema and venous insufficiency show up in almost every specialty

An estimated 3–5 million Americans live with lymphedema — more than ALS, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease combined — and many are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Chronic venous insufficiency is more common still. Here is who we help, by specialty, and how to send them to us.

Lymphedema is not one disease

3–5M
Americans living with lymphedema
68%
of cases are cancer-related
22%
follow non-cancer causes: surgery, trauma, burns, infection
10%
are primary (congenital), linked to 40+ syndromes
2 in 5
breast cancer patients develop it within 5 years of surgery

Find your specialty

ONC
Oncology & cancer care
Breast, gynecologic, GU, melanoma, sarcoma, head & neck, radiation oncology.
VASC
Vascular & vein surgery
Venous insufficiency, varicose veins, post-procedure, lymphatic injury after bypass.
CARD
Cardiology
Leg swelling, chronic venous insufficiency, post-thrombotic syndrome.
WOUND
Wound care clinics
Venous ulcers, wraps, and compression after healing.
POD
Podiatry
Ankle and foot swelling, venous stasis, foot and toe lymphedema.
PCP
Primary care & internal medicine
Swelling that lasts 3 months or more, CVI, lipedema.
CLT
Lymphedema therapists
Guides, documentation and pump orders.

Other specialties we work with

Surgery & trauma

  • Plastic surgery & burn centers — burns and reconstructive surgery
  • Orthopedics & trauma — injury to lymphatic vessels
  • General & surgical oncology — lymph node removal
  • ENT / head & neck surgery — head and neck lymphedema

Medicine & rehab

  • Rheumatology — rheumatoid arthritis is a recognized cause
  • Physical medicine, rehab & neurology — paralysis and limited mobility
  • Infectious disease & hospitalists — infection and repeat cellulitis
  • Pediatrics & genetics — primary lymphedema (Milroy, Turner, Noonan, Klippel-Trenaunay and more)

Causes at a glance

Secondary (acquired) — 90%

  • Cancer-related (68% of all cases). Reported rates after treatment: breast up to 40%, sarcoma 30%, gynecologic 20%, melanoma 16%, genitourinary 10%, head and neck 4%.
  • Non-cancer (22%). Burns, ilio-femoral bypass, infection, paralysis, radiation, rheumatoid arthritis, surgery and trauma.
  • Venous insufficiency can overload the lymphatic vessels over time.

Primary (congenital) — 10%

  • More than 40 rare conditions are associated with primary lymphedema, including Milroy disease, lymphedema praecox and tarda, Turner and Noonan syndromes, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and yellow nail syndrome.
  • Lipedema is also listed among related conditions.

Many patients go undiagnosed. Swelling that lasts 3 months or more should be evaluated by a provider who can assess for lymphedema. Compression therapy is the core of treatment; without it, patients face a higher risk of complications. Need a lymphedema therapist near your patient? Find a therapist.

What we handle for your office

  • Benefits check and prior authorization, and we tell your office right away if anything is missing
  • Fitting by certified compression fitters, with in-stock garments, wraps and custom flat knit
  • Pumps (E0651 / E0652) delivered and set up, with follow-up
  • Updates to your office through Parachute Health or by fax
  • A cash-pay option for patients without coverage, through our online shop
Send a ReferralOrder on ParachuteHow to Refer

Sources: Lymphedema Advocacy Group and Lymphedema Education & Awareness Project fact sheets (LymphedemaAdvocacyGroup.org, LymphedemaProject.org), citing J Clin Oncol 2009;27(3):390-7; Cancer 2010;116:5138-49; J Am Coll Cardiol 2008;52(10):799-806; Vasc Med 1998;3:145-156; Clin Genet 2010;77:438-452. This page is referral information for clinicians, not medical advice.