The GIP is the Patient Group of the scientific association ITALF, which has been dealing with lymphedema and lipedema for years. Joining the GIP means becoming part of a network where patients and doctors work together to improve access to care and quality of life.
Here is in a simple and practical way what membership involves:
- Be a member of a recognized scientific society
ITALF is the Italian section of the International Lymphoedema Framework. This means that the requests of the GIP are not those of isolated individuals, but are presented by a structured, competent, and authoritative scientific body.
👉 What does this mean in practice?
When someone registered with the GIP writes or presents themselves to a Local Health Authority (ASL), a doctor, or other institutions to:
- request a medical aid (such as a compression stocking or brace),
- report difficulty accessing care,
they do so with the formal support of ITALF. This means appearing in an official capacity on behalf of a publicly recognized scientific association, even at the ministerial level.
- Free legal advice for all members
Every GIP member is entitled to:
- a first free consultation from the association’s legal advisor,
- clarifications about health rights, reimbursements, disability, access to devices or therapies,
- guidance on possible actions to take.
👉 What is this consultation for?
To find out, for example:
- if you are entitled to an aid that has been denied to you;
- what supporting documents are needed for the recognition of a rare disease;
- if you can appeal to obtain medical treatment or care that was not provided;
- if you are entitled to recognition of civil disability.
- Access to reliable scientific and administrative information
In the members-only area of the website you will find:
- verified scientific updates, selected by ITALF;
- guidance on the procedures for accessing services or aids;
- proposals for new national and regional actions for the right to care, which is often unavailable;
- official communications, notices, reimbursements, forms.
👉 Why is this important?
It saves you from searching for information online without knowing whether it is accurate or up to date. You have a single, trustworthy point of reference, backed by the reliability of sources guaranteed by the Executive Board and the Scientific Committee.
Certification of GIP membership status
Each member will be assigned a unique identification code and listed in an official GIP Registry, maintained by ITALF.
🔹 Each member will be able to:
- Request and receive by email a PDF certificate confirming membership, which can be presented at official meetings.
How to join
GIP membership is open to all people with lymphedema, lipedema, related conditions, and caregivers. To join, you must fill out the online form, including a motivation for joining, and after evaluation by the Executive Board, you will be notified of acceptance. Membership is completed with payment of the annual membership fee.
