Anyone know LE info for Toledo, OH

Kate, did you try therapist locator?

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

I found my LE therapist on the LANA site--she's an LMT, and has a young child, and she'll come to my house and I see her on the weekends. I pay her out of pocket, but it's close to my co-pay (insurance won't reimburse as she's not an OT/PT)--but trained with Guenter Klose and Vodder and worked with Klose and Robert Lerner MD when they ran a Foldi clinic model in NYC--an intensive LE therapy center.

My problem with PT/OT's and insurance is that the chronicity of LE doesn't "jibe" with their treatment model which is acute treatment and discharge. I find I need to see my LE therapist weekly right now.  If she took insurance, she'd spend half her time documenting necessity and the other half discharging me...

So, consider an well trained LMT as you look.

Hopefully someone--like Binney--will know someone.

Kira

Yeah, they see LE as "finite"--when it's chronic--and it's the only disease that is primarily managed by OT/PT's and it's so outside the way they normally function.

 "Evaluate and treat" isn't really managing in my book--and that's the usual guidance from the MD.

Right now, I'm getting a bit frustrated with my hand OT--who is Norton trained--as in her push for results, she's made my LE flare, and is asking me to do 40 reps with the weights. Arghh.

 Binney wrote that she didn't know any one in Toledo, but advised the therapist locator, and interviewing any prospective therapists.

Good luck!

Kira

KMMD--I always give them a call, and make sure they sound okay before signing up. Fingers crossed for a good therapist that meets your needs.

Did you know that the APTA has a strong lobby, and about 5 years ago were able to get medicare to not reimburse MD, RN and LMT for LE therapy, so all the MD controlled clinics closed. They argued an MD can't supervise a PT. 

And, they strongly believe that their basic PT training --which has been shown to not include more than a tiny amount of LE therapy, if any, is sufficient for any one with a PT/OT degree to perform LE therapy. 

And, they influenced the wording on the HR 4662 bill in their favor.

What about patients first???

Sorry for the rant--I really hope you find a great therapist!

Kira