Photo courtesy of CU Anschutz Department of Surgery
UCHealth opens region’s first multidisciplinary lymphedema clinic
Clinic brings lymphedema therapists, medical specialists together to coordinate care for patients with complex condition
Summary
UCHealth and the University of Colorado School of Medicine have opened the region’s first multidisciplinary lymphedema clinic at University of Colorado Hospital. The clinic brings certified lymphedema therapists together with specialists in plastic surgery, oncology rehabilitation and other specialties to coordinate care and develop treatment plans for patients with lymphedema.
Key Facts
- UCHealth and the University of Colorado School of Medicine have opened the region’s first multidisciplinary lymphedema clinic at University of Colorado Hospital.
- The clinic aligns certified lymphedema therapists and specialists in plastic surgery, oncology rehabilitation and other specialties
- The clinic is designed to coordinate care across specialties and help patients navigate a complex condition that can require lifelong management.
- The clinic also aims to help primary care providers and other clinicians recognize lymphedema and refer appropriate patients for specialized care.
Aurora, Colo. (Oct. 27, 2026) – Few medical providers are trained to diagnose and treat lymphedema, causing many patients to search for care across multiple specialties without a coordinated medical team.
UCHealth and the University of Colorado School of Medicine are working to change that with the opening of the Rocky Mountain region's first multidisciplinary lymphedema clinic at University of Colorado Hospital, bringing together certified lymphedema therapists and medical specialists in plastic surgery, oncology rehabilitation and other specialties
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a condition in which fluid builds up in the body’s tissues and causes chronic swelling. It can develop after cancer treatment, surgery or injury to the lymphatic system, while others may be born with it.
Treatment typically focuses on controlling swelling and may require lifelong therapy, specialized compression garments and other interventions. Depending on the cause and severity, medical or surgical treatment may also be necessary.
Coordinating lymphedema care across specialties
Certified lymphedema therapists have traditionally helped patients manage the condition. However, because lymphedema may require additional care across multiple specialties, patients can face a complex and fragmented care journey. The clinic brings therapists together with specialists in plastic surgery, oncology rehabilitation and other specialties to coordinate care around each patient’s needs and develop comprehensive treatment plans.
“In addition to therapy, patients with lymphedema typically see multiple doctors to manage different aspects of their care,” said Dr. Franchesca Konig, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at UCHealth. “This clinic brings us together as one team, combining our expertise to address each patient’s needs and coordinate therapy, medical treatment and surgical care when needed.”
The clinic is built on years of work by UCHealth's Center of Excellence for Lymphedema leadership team. UCHealth is one of 13 designated Comprehensive Networks of Excellence in lymphatic disease globally.
The new multidisciplinary model is designed to connect all aspects of care, even beyond physical symptoms. Lymphedema can affect patients' mobility, daily activities and quality of life, while the ongoing demands of treatment can contribute to emotional and financial strain.
Helping providers recognize and refer patients with lymphedema
Many people with lymphedema go undiagnosed or misunderstand their diagnosis due to providers being unfamiliar with the condition. The clinic aims to educate primary care providers and other clinicians to recognize lymphedema and refer appropriate patients for specialized care.
For patients who have spent years managing lymphedema with limited medical support, the multidisciplinary clinic offers a consolidated approach to a complex disease. By bringing therapists and medical specialists together, the clinic seeks to help patients and their providers navigate treatment with a broader team of experts.
About UCHealth
UCHealth is a nationally recognized nonprofit health system that pushes the boundaries of medicine through advanced treatments and clinical trials, improving health through innovation and providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. Investing $1.6 billion in community benefits including $762 million in uncompensated and charity care each year, UCHealth is Colorado’s largest Medicaid provider and dedicated to the communities it serves. With the region’s only adult academic medical center, University of Colorado Hospital on the CU Anschutz campus, UCHealth includes 38,000 employees, 15 acute-care hospitals and thousands of physicians across Colorado, Wyoming and western Nebraska.