A Chronic Disease Management is a GP service available on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), which enable GPs to plan and coordinate the health care of patients with chronic medical conditions, including patients with these conditions who require multidisciplinary, team-based care from a GP and at least two other health or care providers.

Recommended allied health providers for Lipoedema patients may include:

• Physiotherapist for manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and compression prescription;
• Podiatrist to help with gait issues;
• Exercise physiologist to help with strengthening knees and core, assist with rehabilitation, improve fitness and assist with weight loss;
• Occupational therapist for patients with mobility impairment; and/or
• Dietitians and nutritionists may be helpful in assisting Lipoedema patients to determine a suitable nutrition plan that includes anti-inflammatory focus, low carb and high fat foods, clean eating (no additives). Further, literature recommends avoiding caloric restriction as this can worsen Lipoedema.

A mental health care plan is a plan for people with a mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia or eating disorders. The patient may be entitled to Medicare rebates, coordinated by their GP, for up to 10 individual or group appointments with a psychologists, occupational therapist or social worker.

Find out more here: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-care-plan

Patients that suffer with secondary Lymphodema may be eligible for the provision or subsidy of compression garments. The eligibility, subsidy and prescriber guidelines differs between states. A comprehensive list of state-based subsidies can be found on website of the Australian Lymphology Association. Patients are encouraged to do their own research regarding what they may be entitled to and who is the best doctor or therapist to prescribe their compression garment scheme.

Find out more here: http://www.lymphoedema.org.au/about-lymphoedema/compression-garment-schemes/

Dependent on state-based rules, a disabled parking permit may be appropriate for patients with advanced Lipoedema who suffer with pain and who have mobility issues. Patients should discuss eligibility with their GP; as well as research the rules for obtaining a permit with their local department of roads and transport authority.

“Lipoedema” and “lipedema” refer to the same medical condition. The difference lies in the spelling conventions used in different regions:

1. Lipoedema: This is the British / Australian spelling of the condition.
2. Lipedema: This is the American English spelling.

Lipoedema / Lipedema is a chronic condition characterised by a painful and abnormal accumulation of fat cells in the hips, thighs, buttocks, legs and sometimes arms. The legs may become swollen, bruise easily, feel tender and uncomfortable.

Sufferers of early stage Lipoedema / Lipedema often have column-shaped legs and as the conditions worsens the fat continues to build up and the lower half of their body becomes heavier. The fat can also build up in the arms. The fat cannot be exercised or dieted away. Many patients eat well and exercise yet continue to develop fat on areas susceptible to Lipoedema / Lipedema.

The condition almost exclusively affects women and it is estimated that 1 in 10 women suffer with Lipoedema / Lipedema. The most common time of onset of Lipoedema / Lipedema is during puberty or pregnancy, which leads experts to believe that the condition may occur due to changes in hormones either medication related or during menopause.

The condition is poorly understood and often dismissed as obesity. If not diagnosed and managed properly Lipoedema / Lipedema can result in further complications including reduced mobility, lymphoedema due to scarring of the lymphatics due to the inflammatory nature of the Lipoedema / Lipedema tissue; as well as depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia or eating disorders.

Sufferers can experience emotional and psychological damage due to receiving a lack of diagnosis and support from medical practitioners and family.

There are a range of conservative management treatment options available to sufferers, as well as a surgical solution. You can read more about both below.

Lipoedema Surgery

Lipoedema Diet

Prior to surgery, our doctors evaluate surgical readiness with a step by step holistic protocol and use it to implement a personalised approach.

Find out more here Lipoedema Australia