ADP : Pressure Modification Devices

• custom-made orthoses for hypertrophic scars
• pressure garments for hypertrophic scars
• compression garments and sleeves for chronic lymphedema
• extremity pumps for primary lymphedema

You can apply for funding from the ADP if you :

• are a resident of Ontario;
• have a valid Health Card;
• need a garment, sleeve or device for at least six months of regular daily use.

The ADP does not pay for equipment available under the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board or to Group ‘A’ veterans for their pensioned conditions.

You get an Equipment/Supply Authorization form. You can get this form from an authorizer or vendor registered with the ADP. Or call the ADP at :

No. You fill in the first part called Biographical information. Then you sign and date Section 4 of the form.

Yes. You must be examined by a medical specialist. The specialist will write your diagnosis in the second part of the ADP form.

For hypertrophic scar pressure garments or orthoses and extremity pumps, the specialist physician will be a member of a burn or lymphedema team registered with the ADP. Call the ADP at one of the numbers listed below to get the locations of these teams.

For lymphedema compression garments or sleeves, if you are accessing the ADP for the first time, the physician must be a specialist in the area of vascular surgery, orthopaedic surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, internal medicine, paediatrics, plastic surgery or general surgery. A General Practitioner in Oncology (GPO) may also provide this assessment. Your family physician will also need to complete an assessment once every 2 years or if you have a change of medical condition.

For compression sleeves, if you have received funding from the ADP for compression garments, you do not need to be assessed by the physician. You should contact the therapist or nurse who previously completed your assessment.

Your physician will refer you to an authorizer approved by the ADP.

Authorizers for hypertrophic scar orthoses are burn team occupational therapists, physiotherapists and certified orthotists.

Authorizers for hypertrophic scar pressure garments and extremity pumps are occupational therapists or physiotherapists on burn or lymphedema teams registered with the ADP.

Authorizers for lymphedema compression garments or sleeves are occupational therapists, physiotherapists or registered nurses registered with the ADP in the lymphedema category.

The authorizer will assess the exact type of device you need. He or she will then fill in the third part of your form.

For hypertrophic scar orthoses, from an orthotic vendor registered with the ADP. For hypertrophic scar pressure garments and extremity pumps, from a vendor associated with a burn or lymphedema team registered with the ADP.

For lymphedema compression garments and sleeves, from a vendor registered with the ADP in this category. For compression sleeves, the vendor must have staff trained in the assessment of the specific device.

The ADP will pay 75 per cent of the approved cost of your device. Vendors registered with the ADP will bill you the remaining 25 per cent of the cost.

If you are receiving social assistance benefits under Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), you may be eligible to receive more money.

The ADP will pay 75 per cent of the cost if your medical condition or size changes and you need a new pressure modification device.

If your original device no longer meets your needs, the ADP will pay 75 per cent of the replacement cost as follows :

The minimum replacement period is one year for a custom-made hypertrophic scar orthosis. Hypertrophic scar pressure garments are replaced as needed to a maximum of five sets of two outfits each in a 12-month period. Lymphedema compression garments are replaced as needed to a maximum of three sets of two outfits each in a 12-month period.

The minimum replacement period for compression sleeves and gauges is five years.

The minimum replacement period for extremity pumps is five years, with a three-year replacement period on boots and sleeves for the pumps.

The ADP does not pay for a replacement device if the original device is lost, stolen or damaged due to misuse. You are encouraged to buy insurance for coverage in these situations.

For further information, please write :

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Assistive Devices Program
7th Floor, 5700 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M2M 4K5

Or call ADP :

Toronto  416-327-8804
Toll-free  1-800-268-6021
TDD/TTY  416-327-4282
TDD/TTY  1-800-387-5559
Fax  416-327-8192

October 2006 / Cat. No. 2124569