Recently
SWEP were pleased to announce changes to the Lymphoedema Compression Garments
Program which provided more access for eligible consumers and the addition of wraps
and donners to the list of fundable items. In line with the recent changes we
are further aligning the program to other Victorian Aids & Equipment
Programs.
Effective
from 01 March 2021 SWEP will be introducing the following:
Gap Payment
Process
Gap funding is the difference between the SWEP
subsidy amount provided and the total cost of the quote/order. Previously this
has been managed between the supplier and the consumer.
To align this process with other programs, where gap funding is required,
SWEP will now require the consumer to sign and return a gap confirmation form
prior to the order being raised. The gap form will be sent to the consumer with
a reply paid envelope via post or email, depending on the consumers preferred
method of contact. Returning this form
as quickly as possible will avoid any delays in ordering the item(s). The practitioner will be notified of the
application status change through the portal.
As
there is currently no waitlist for the Lymphoedema Program once the gap
confirmation form is received the order will be placed. Practitioners can also
load the gap form as an attachment to the application and SWEP will be
automatically notified of the attachment through the portal. A copy of the Gap
Confirmation Form can be found here under other relevant
documents.
Proof of
Delivery (POD)
When a purchase order is raised and sent to the
supplier, the supplier will also receive a Proof of Delivery (POD) form. This needs
to be signed by the consumer to confirm receipt of the items. It is the
supplier's responsibility to send this completed form back to SWEP with their
invoice so that payment can be made.
4-Month Re-assessment
Given
the nature of Lymphoedema, a condition that can change rapidly, any purchase
order that is outstanding for more than 4 months(where the supplier has not
started or fulfilled the order), SWEP will make contact with the prescribing practitioner
to ensure the items are still suitable for the consumer and their condition has
not changed. On the practitioner's advice, if the current item/s are not
suitable we will cancel the order. The practitioner will need to re-submit a
current request and the order will be placed immediately upon re-submission.
TGA Process
On the 25 February in line with recent TGA
changes for personalised medical devices, the
Lymphoedema quote template was up-dated on our website to include a question
for suppliers around compliance with these changes.
If
you have any queries or feedback please email swep@bhs.org.au
