Develop Your Lipedema Care Team!
Here's the how and why you need a multidisciplinary group.
Have you ever considered that all of the medical and non-medical people in your life are actually a great Care Team for you and treating your Lipedema?
Shifting to a Patient-Centered Approach will optimize your Lipedema treatment with the best group of people who’ll support you because Lipedema takes a village of effort to effectively manage your symptoms.
Using a Care Team model is an excellent way to pull together your specialists and develop a medical treatment team to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. And the best part? You'll have a group of caring professionals dedicated to providing you with the best care and experience.
Developing a medical treatment team for lipedema is essential because it allows you to access a wide range of medical professionals who can work together to deliver the highest-quality care.
By collaborating, your care team can provide a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. The team's main objective is to focus on your health goals and ensure you receive the most convenient and supportive care possible.
Creating a medical treatment team for lipedema is crucial because you won't have to go through this alone. Your care team will collaborate to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. They'll work together to deliver the highest-quality care and ensure you have the best possible outcomes and experiences.
So, who should be on your care team?
1. YOU!
You are the center of your care team and the entire purpose and goal of your medical team are to understand your needs and support your optimal health.
2. Your Cheerleader!
Who is the most helpful and supportive person in your life? Who understands your disease and is there for you when things get tough? This can be a spouse, family, your BFF, a Patient Advocate, or a support group. They are there for you to rely on. If you don’t have a Cheerleader, take some extra time to find that one person or group that makes you feel uplifted and positive when you need them.
1. Primary Care Physician:
Your central primary care physician (PCP) should be your first contact when managing your lipedema. A PCP helps:
Is available to evaluate and treat day-to-day health problems.
Follows up with you to explain test results and judge how well your treatment is working.
Refers you to qualified specialists when needed.
Maintains the big picture of your overall health and treatment needs.
Your PCP is necessary to your care team! If you are unhappy with how your PCP works with you on managing Lipedema, consider finding a primary care doctor who will work better for your medical needs.
2. Registered Nurse Case Manager:
Your RNCM will help you organize and coordinate your specialists, provide resources, and education, and work with you through treatment. Nurse Case Managers are in all areas of the medical industry, from your PCP to your insurance plan, to someone you can consult with (like me!) who will help pull all the other disciplines together to create a smoother process for you.
3. Medical and Surgical Specialists
Lipedema affects all parts of us and we need a group of specialists with whom we can collaborate with to manage our symptoms. Following the model above is a holistic approach to managing all parts of your disease. Specialist examples can include but are not limited to: Lymphatic Specialist, Vascular Surgeon, Endocrinologist, Nutritionist or Dietician, Pharmacist, Mental Health, Lipedema Surgeon,
And the list goes on…
How can your care team collaborate to deliver the best care possible?
The key to effective collaboration within your care team is communication to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding your treatment plan. Your PCP and RN Case Manager should be the central point of contact.
Your care team should also work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. This plan should consider your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and personal preferences. It should also be flexible enough to adjust as your condition changes.
How can your care team focus on your needs in the most convenient, supportive ways possible?
Your care team should prioritize your convenience and comfort when managing your lipedema. They should work together to find the most convenient and supportive ways to deliver care that works for you. For example, if you have difficulty traveling to appointments, your team may be able to schedule telemedicine appointments instead.
Your care team should also provide educational resources and support to help you manage your lipedema independently. They should be available to answer any questions and provide you with resources such as educational materials or online support groups.
So, who is your Care Team? Let me know below!
Hey, I’m visiting Dr. Karen Herbst next week!
Let me know if there are any diagnosis questions you have! I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to ask all of the questions, but I’ll try.
Check out my socials and my new website!
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Take care!
Michelle