A Brand New World

Welcome to the first 2008 issue of Today’s Wound Clinic. Hopefully, you found the two 2007 issues relevant and meaningful and are ready to embark on a new year of sharing clinical and practical information.

The four quarterly issues of TWC this year focus on topics that present multifaceted, clinical, reimbursement, and management challenges. Chris Morrison will introduce a new online feature “Exit Polls” that comprises a quarterly survey — results to be published in subsequent issues with a culminating detailed analysis available in an article or supplement at the end of the year. These results also will be available online to subscribers.
The current issue highlights the patient with lower extremity edema, both venous and lymphatic (ie, lymphedema). Our cover story by Susan Gallagher Camden and Tere Sigler examines the unique clinical challenges related to obesity and lymphedema, compares lymphedema and lipedema, and offers suggestions for safe handling of the obese patient in the clinic setting. Commentary on the state of the art management of venous stasis ulcers, a historical perspective, usual healing rates, and what might be going on with the “non-healers” also is provided. In the InBusiness section, Kathleen Schaum discusses the disparity among Medicare contractors regarding the appropriate CPT® code for the application of multilayered, sustainted, graduated high compression systems. After researching all the available Medicare LCDs and Articles regarding the disparate coverage for these compression systems, she shares her research via a comprehensive table. InStruction offers information from Val Sullivan and Dot Weir on different categories of and how to handle some of the pitfalls of compression. InTech presents Teresa Conner-Kerr’s examination of the role of compression pumps. InCentive spotlights The Memorial Hermann Wound and Lymphedema Center and its upcoming 20th anniversary.
Today’s Wound Clinic has gained tremendous momentum by presenting important and timely topics related to our very specialized practice. We hope you enjoy this issue. Share it with your colleagues, make it a topic of discussion at your staff meetings, and send us feedback. Let us help you improve your wound care practice.