What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is the accumulation of fluid resulting in swelling in the body. It usually affects the limbs, but it can also involve the trunk, breast, head and neck or genital area. Lymphoedema can occur for a variety of other reasons and it is a common side-effect of cancer treatment.
If you are living with or at risk of lymphoedema, we can help.
The YourCH Lymphoedema Clinic is located at our balit wurun (PANCH) health centre. The clinic operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with the assessment clinic being held on Thursday mornings.
If you think you may have lymphoedema, ask your GP to send a referral to our clinic for assessment. We see people of all ages and all types of lymphoedema.
Are you a person living with and/or having treatment for cancer?
Are you at risk of developing lymphoedema? Ask your health professional to refer you to our clinic for an ‘at risk’ assessment where you can learn about reducing your risk of developing lymphoedema and how to recognise the early signs of lymphoedema.
Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a chronic condition involving an abnormal build-up of fat. It typically affects thighs, buttocks and lower legs, but can sometimes be seen on the arms. The Lymphoedema Clinic can assess and assist in management of lipoedema. You will need a referral from a doctor to attend our clinic.
If you have previously been seen at the Mercy Health Lymphoedema Clinic:
Our Clinic opened on 1 June 2020 and replaces the Lymphoedema Clinic that was based at Mercy Health’s Heidelberg and Werribee locations.
You still need a doctor’s referral and must contact us to request a form so we can access your lymphoedema notes from Mercy Health before you attend here.
You can email the team on [email protected]. Please phone the lymphoedema service if you do not have access to email on 8470 1111 (Tues/Thurs/Fri).
Referral Guidelines
We require a medical referral including:
- Past medical history
- Current medications
- Current issues with regard to lymphoedema
- Comprehensive cancer treatment history (if appropriate)
- Investigation results in connection to the lymphoedema/causative factors
- GP details
- Client contact details
- Latest blood test result
Fees
There is a co-payment for appointments with our lymphoedema therapists. Our intake team will advise you of the fee based on your household income.
If you are eligible to claim under TAC, WorkCover or NDIS, please discuss this with our admin team prior to your first appointment.
The fees below will apply from 5 August 2024:
| Consultation type | Low income | Medium income | High income |
|
Did Not Attend / Late Cancellation (within 6 hours) |
$20 | $20 | $20 |
| Initial Assessment | $50 | $65 | $75 |
| Review Appointment | $20 | $30 | $110 |
The ranges for low, medium and high income can be found below. You can find more information here. If your income changes, please let us know so that we can make the necessary adjustments
| Low income | Medium income | High income | |
|
Individual |
Less than $39,089 |
Between $39,089 and $86,208 |
More than $86,208 |
|
Couple |
Less than $59,802 |
Between $59,802 and $115,245 |
More than $115,245 |
|
Family (One Child) |
Less than $66,009 |
Between $66,009 and $118,546 |
More than $118,546 |
|
|
Plus $6,206 per additional child |
||