Today we’re sharing key insights from Survey 2 of our Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Chronic Disease Management Services Review - this time from the perspective of Allied Health Practitioners. Our aim remains the same: to understand how the current CDM framework is functioning in real clinical settings and where improvements are urgently needed to support both practitioners and people living with lymphoedema. What we heard from practitioners: • Respondents were predominantly Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, Remedial Massage Therapists and Occupational Therapists. • The majority reported they are actively seeing patients currently supported by CDM plans. • Many expressed strong support for extending CDM eligibility to currently excluded professions, such as Remedial Massage Therapists. • Most indicated that their patients use all available CDM sessions, highlighting the high demand for lymphoedema care. • A large number reported that many patients have no alternative treatment pathways outside their CDM plan, emphasising the critical role of this Medicare mechanism. Thank you to the allied health professionals who contributed their time and expertise. Your insights help strengthen our advocacy for a CDM framework that truly reflects the needs of both clinicians and consumers in lymphoedema care. #ALA #Lymphoedema #ChronicDiseaseManagement #MBSReview #AlliedHealth #Physiotherapy #OccupationalTherapy #Nursing #RemedialMassage #LymphaticHealth #HealthPolicy #Advocacy #HealthcareReform #AustralianHealthcare

Meet your ALA Leaders: Sue Butcher | Board Director Sue is an ALA Board Director and long-time lymphoedema advocate. With 25+ years’ experience and lived understanding of lymphoedema, Sue is passionate about strengthening our member community and driving meaningful change. Outside work, she loves escaping to the bush with her caravan and border collie, Molly. Read her Q&A to learn more. #ALA #Lymphoedema #LymphoedemaAwareness #AlliedHealth #BoardDirector #LymphaticHealth #LymphoedemaCare #ProfessionalProfiles

Early Bird is almost here! We’re officially 2 weeks out from Early Bird registration opening for the 2026 ALA Conference in Cairns. Set your reminders and get ready to secure your spot at Australia’s premier lymphoedema event. Early Bird opens Monday 15 December, 2025 alaconference2026.com.au/registration #ALAConference2026 #Lymphoedema #AlliedHealth #SaveTheDate

MBS Chronic Disease Management Services Review - Survey Snapshot: People living with lymphoedema As part of the Medicare Benefits Schedule Chronic Disease Management Services Review, earlier this year the ALA surveyed people living with lymphoedema to better understand their experiences, challenges, and priorities. Here’s what they told us. People living with lymphoedema rely heavily on CDM-funded sessions, yet session caps significantly limit their ability to manage their condition. Many reported substantial financial burden, with CDM often being the only support available to offset the cost of care. There was strong feedback calling for increased and more flexible CDM funding access, along with more inclusive eligibility criteria for trained lymphoedema practitioners. Respondents also highlighted long wait times to see public therapists and the need to travel long distances to access appropriate care. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences, your voices guide our advocacy and help shape the future of lymphoedema care in Australia. Read the full report in Lymph Exchange, November 2025. #ALA #Lymphoedema #CDMReview #PatientVoice #Advocacy #ChronicDiseaseManagement #LymphExchange

Just 4 days to go! If you’re planning to submit an abstract for the 2026 ALA Conference in Cairns, now’s the moment to press send. We’re looking for research, clinical insights, case studies, innovations, and real-world experiences that will help advance lymphoedema practice across Australasia. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to the program and share your work with a national audience of peers. #ALA2026 #ALAConference #Lymphoedema #Lymphology #AlliedHealth #HealthProfessionals #ClinicalResearch #HealthcareEducation #CallForAbstracts #Cairns2026 #ProfessionalDevelopment #LymphoedemaAwareness

Meet your ALA Leaders: Bekk Christensen / Vice President Bekk is an Occupational Therapy Team Leader at Mater Hospital Brisbane, working across lymphoedema, vascular care, and multidisciplinary wound management. Her passion for wound care began early in her career, and she’s been deeply committed to lymphatic health ever since her very first training opportunity as a new grad in Mt Isa - a “say yes to everything” moment that took her to Cairns and sparked a lifelong interest. And a fun fact…Bekk is officially a pickleball enthusiast and plays 2–3 times a week! #ALAAustralasia #MeetTheBoard #Lymphoedema #LymphaticHealth #OccupationalTherapy #HealthcareLeaders #ALACommunity

MBS Chronic Disease Management Services Review: Key Survey Findings at a Glance Thank you to everyone who contributed to our MBS survey. Your insights, both as people living with lymphoedema and as allied health practitioners, have been invaluable. This review set out to understand the real-world challenges within the current Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Chronic Disease Management framework, and to uncover opportunities to improve access, support, and outcomes for those affected by lymphoedema. Today, we’re sharing a snapshot of the key results and what they mean for the future of lymphoedema care. Find the full report in the November 2025 issue of Lymph Exchange. Together, we can continue to advocate for better systems and better support. #ALAAustralia #Lymphoedema #ChronicDiseaseManagement #Advocacy #MBSReview

Staying accredited isn’t just about meeting requirements - it’s about staying confident, current, and connected in your lymphoedema practice. From informal learning to leadership and service, these are four flexible pathways to help you reach your CPD requirements. Whether you learn, lead, write, volunteer or educate, it all contributes to lifting the standard of lymphoedema care across Australasia. #ALAAustralasia #Lymphoedema #CPDPoints #ProfessionalDevelopment #StayAccredited #LymphoedemaCare #ALAMembers

Meet your ALA Leaders: Felicity Lawson / Board Director With experience across nursing, marketing, and lymphoedema care, Felicity brings a dynamic skillset to the ALA. She’s passionate about early intervention, strong advocacy, and elevating the voice of lymphoedema. Fun fact: she’s currently writing her debut book! #ALAAustralasia #Lymphoedema #LymphoedemaAwareness #ALAMembers #HealthcareLeadership #MeetTheBoard