Medicare Part B covers certain wound care services and supplies when medically necessary. This includes the treatment of acute or chronic wounds, such as burns, surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, and diabetic ulcers.
Coverage may include:
Wound evaluation and management: Medicare Part B covers the evaluation and management of wounds by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse. This may include assessing the wound, determining the appropriate treatment plan, and monitoring the wound's progress.
Wound dressings and supplies: Medicare Part B covers medically necessary wound dressings and supplies, such as bandages, gauze, wound cleansers, and dressings with special properties (e.g., antimicrobial or hydrocolloid dressings).
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT): Medicare Part B may cover NPWT for certain wounds that are not responding to conventional treatments. NPWT involves using a vacuum to promote wound healing.
Debridement: Medicare Part B may cover debridement, which is the removal of dead or contaminated tissue from a wound to promote healing.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT): Medicare Part B may cover HBOT for certain types of non-healing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers or radiation-related wounds. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to increase the oxygen levels in the blood and promote wound healing.
It's important to note that Medicare Part B has specific coverage criteria and limitations for wound care services and supplies. Coverage may require a doctor's order, documentation of medical necessity, and adherence to Medicare's guidelines.
It's recommended to check with Medicare or your healthcare provider to determine your specific coverage for wound care under Medicare Part B.