March Is Lymphedema Awareness Month: BSN medical Honors Patients and Advocates at Event to Help Pass Lymphedema Treatment Act Bill

CHARLOTTE, NC--(Marketwired - Mar 22, 2016) -

WHAT:
March is Lymphedema Awareness Month. BSN medical is bringing much needed attention to Lymphedema, a condition that affects 3-5 million Americans¹, by holding an event that will honor patients, advocates and thank local members of Congress who have sponsored the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA). The event will also encourage people to email members of Congress asking them to support LTA, a federal bill that aims to improve insurance coverage for the medically necessary, doctor-prescribed compression supplies that are the cornerstone of treatment.

Lymphedema is swelling in one or more extremities that results from impaired flow of the lymphatic system. In the U.S. and Western countries, lymphedema occurs most commonly as a complication of lymph node dissection for cancer treatment². There is no known cure for lymphedema.

WHO:
BSN medical; Representatives from Rep. Robert Pittenger and Sen. Thom Tillis offices; physicians; therapists, and BSN staff who support lymphedema patients nationwide.

Special Guest Speakers:

Amy Santiago - Lymphedema patient and Mrs Central Florida International
Heather Ferguson - Founder and Executive Director, Lymphedema Advocacy Group. She will be there with her twin sons, one who suffers from primary lymphedema.

WHEN:
March 24, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
5825 Carnegie Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209 (Therall/Ortho Conference Rooms)

PHOTO OPS:
Congressional reps, lymphedema patients, lymphedema advocate Heather Ferguson, physicians, a bandaging/wrapping competition utilizing compression supplies.

About LTA: H.R.3877 - Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) will improve coverage for the treatment of lymphedema from any cause by amending Medicare statute to allow for coverage of compression supplies. Although this legislation relates specifically to a change in Medicare law, it would set a precedent for Medicaid and private insurers to follow³.

^{1, 2} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652571/
³ http://www.lymphedematreatmentact.org