Can you make an ACFI claim for using Tubigrip?

One of the 2017 ACFI changes was regarding making claims in this part of the complex health care domain.

So when can a claim for using Tubigrip be made? Can flight socks be claimed?

The bottom line is that a resident should be prescribed what is clinically indicated. It is then up to the person making the ACFI claim to determine whether or not a claim can be made. As long as all else is in place, the person making the ACFI claim should consider the following scenarios:

• You cannot make a claim for a resident requiring Tubigrip for arthritic joints
• You can make a claim for a resident requiring Tubigrip for arthritic joints WITH arthritic oedema (12.a)
• You cannot make a claim for a resident requiring Tubigrip for non-arthritic oedema
• You can make a claim for a resident requiring  compression garments and/or compression bandages for non-arthritic oedema (12.b)

But isn’t Tubigrip considered compression garments?

No. The Department defines ‘tubular elasticised support bandages’ as tubular bandages that do not provide graduated compression, and that this may include support hosiery such as flight socks and elastic support stockings. The Department also clarifies that ‘tubular elasticised support bandages’ cannot be substituted for ‘compression garments’ and/or ‘compression bandages’. For a Q12.b claim, Quality medical-grade garments designed to control swelling and assist with lymphatic drainage are essential.