SWEP – Information about the Proposed LCGP Operational Changes

UPDATE – 23 June 2022

The current LCGP operational policies will remain in place until further consultation work has been carried out.

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Applications for the SWEP Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program will change from 1st July 2022 with a flat rate maximum subsidy per annum for both off the shelf/made to order and custom made garments per body part/limb. This will significantly reduce what your client will receive.

Available items Maximum subsidy Practitioner qualification
Items available per year;
Garments are available for limbs only.
SWEP do not fund padding or additional liners		 Current general AHPRA registration as an Occupational Therapist
OR Physiotherapist
OR Registered Nurse
OR Nurse Practitioner
OR Medical Practitioner
OR Podiatrist
WITH
completion of an Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) endorsed course (consistent with the scope of practice of your primary health profession, your role and chosen scope of practice)
OR
ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner on the National Lymphoedema Practitioner Register
Single Limb – off the shelf, ready to wear or wraps $250 per annum
Single Limb – Made to Measure $550 per annum
Bi Lateral – off the shelf, ready to wear or wraps $500 per annum
Bi Lateral – Made to Measure $1,100 per annum

Source: swep.bhs.org.au

Below are some questions practitioners have asked SWEP.

From the 1st of July, every person who currently is on SWEP will reset their annual subsidy. That means if they have any garments left in their current annual year they should order them now.

Question: My client has 2 garments left under the current scheme this isn’t due to renew until the 1st of August what do the changes mean to her? She wears an off-the-shelf garment on one leg.

Answer: You can order these 2 garments now up to a maximum of $150 per garment. On the 1st of July, she will be eligible for 4 garments until the 30th of June 2023 up to a total value of $250 off the shelf and $550 if they are custom made.

Question: Will postage still be covered by SWEP from the 1st of July 2022?

Answer: Yes

Question: My client wears an off-the-shelf glove and a custom-made sleeve how will this be funded under the new scheme?

Answer: Get two separate quotes. Currently, SWEP will honour the $500 per annum for MTM separately from the $250 for RTW. The MTM and RTW items can go on the one application though (so no need to submit them separately).

Question: Will head and neck and midline oedema be covered under the new scheme?

Answer: No