What is a flat knit garment?
Primarily custom-made, short-stretch compression garment with seams that can fit almost any shape. They are much easier to put on and take off, and provide better coverage and containment throughout the day, and are the preferred choice by medical professionals for the management of mild to severe lymphedema (stage 0 to 3) and chronic venous insufficiency. “Short-stretch” means the fabric means the fabric gives a low resting pressure and constriction, eliminating a tight pinch.
What is a circular knit garment?
A ready-to-wear, seamless, long stretch compression garment intended for mild lymphedema, mild vascular conditions, post-operative swelling, DVT prevention, and chronic venous hypertension. “Long stretch” means the fabric gives a high resting pressure, adding a level of constant constriction through the coverage area, and may bind or pinch in the crevices of the body.
Why is a ready-to-wear circular knit garment not always the most appropriate product for my lymphedema?
Circular knit garments tend to curl and pinch on a patient with lymphedema, causing pain, skin breakdown, and increased swelling. This occurs even though the patient measurements fit into a standard size. It is recommended by most medical professionals that patients with upper or lower extremity lymphedema be measured and fit by an experienced professional, and wear a custom-made flat knit compression garment.
Can I wear my custom-made flat knit garments at nighttime?
It is not recommended. Compression stockings, sleeves, gloves, etc. should only be used for daytime wear. Most clinicians recommend a quilted nighttime compression garment (L&R Tribute – Solaris, JoviPak, and Jobst Relax) or self-bandaging for nighttime wear.
My lymphedema fluctuates a lot throughout the year. On bad days my custom garments do not fit. I don’t want to purchase a second custom garment just for when I have a flareup. What do you recommend I do?
We recommend being fit with a ready to wear or custom-made compression Velcro wrap like the Farrow Wrap Classic or the Circaid Juxta Fit. The garments are adjustable and provide excellent containment for all severity levels.
How do I know what compression level is right for me?
You should always consult with your therapist and physician about what compression level is right for you. Compression levels that are too high for someone with a history of congestive heart failure might compromise your health. Never order any level of compression garments without first consulting with your healthcare providers.
How often should I wash my compression garments?
Daytime compression garments should be washed daily. Quilted nighttime garments should be washed once or twice per week. Inelastic Velcro garments should be washed once or twice a week.
I live outside of Illinois but I want to get my compression garments through you. What do I need to do?
For retail orders when compression garments are not covered by insurance, please contact us at 888-214-4100 and we will work with your doctor or therapist to help select and measure you for the best product for your needs. Absolute Medical then will provide you with the best possible price.
What compression garments does Medicare pay cover and for what diagnosis?
Non-elastic Velcro compression binders, 30-40mmHg, knee high, i.e., Circaid Juxta Lite, Farrow Wrap Basic, Sigvaris CompreFlex Lite, Juzo Wrap, and L & R (Solaris) Ready Wrap.
- Diagnosis: Chronic Venous Insufficiency with a venous stasis ulcer.
- ICD 10: I87.2 (venous insufficiency)
- ICD 10: I83.2 (venous stasis ulcer)
Ready to Wear Circular Knit Knee High Compression Stocking 30-40mmHg
- Diagnosis: Chronic Venous Insufficiency with a venous stasis ulcer.
- ICD 10: I87.2 (venous insufficiency)
- ICD 10: I83.2 (venous stasis ulcer)
Does Medicare cover pneumatic compression devices? And for what diagnosis?
Coverage will be provided for lymphedema and venous stasis ulcers when it is determined to be medically necessary, as outlined in the Medicare guidelines. Coverage decisions will be made in accordance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) national coverage decisions. Please contact CMS for specific coverage criteria or call us at 888-214-4100 and our team of pneumatic device experts to find out if you may be covered for this device.
Does private insurance cover compression garments?
Yes, most private insurances view these garments as medically necessary for edema, venous insufficiency, and lymphedema. Please contact Absolute Medical at 888-214-4100 and we can verify your plan to explain your coverage to you.
How many compression garments will my insurance company allow me to get at a time?
It varies based on insurance policy. Many plans do not have a quantity limit. Some limit to 2-4 units or pairs per year. However, many of our patients require 4+ sets every 6 months. A patient’s work and lifestyle usually play a major role in how many garments are ordered. We will call your insurance to verify the details of your plan.
What is your return policy for custom-made garments?
All of the manufactures that we work with; Jobst, Juzo, Medi, and L & R have “fit guarantees” and will remake a customized compression garment as long as we provide them with new updated measurements and/or options within 14 days (2 weeks) from the time the patient was first fit with the garments. In most cases, patients will know within 3-5 days if something is not fitting properly. Once the patient calls with garment fitting issues we immediately will dispatch our advocate to evaluate the fit and have new garments made.
