|
|
Pressure Reducing Support Surfaces
Medicare Coverage Criteria
|
Support Surfaces products are separated into 2 groups.
Group 1:
· Alternating pressure pad with pump.
· Dry pressure mattress.
· Gel pressure overlay for mattress.
· Air pressure mattress.
· Water pressure mattress.
· Gel pressure mattress.
· Air pressure overlay for mattress.
· Water pressure overlay for mattress.
· Dry pressure overlay for mattress.
Group 2:
· Low Air Loss Therapy Bed - powered.
· Alternating pressure reducing mattress - powered.
· Advanced pressure reducing overly - non-powered.
· Air overlay for mattress - powered.
· Advanced pressure reducing mattress - non-powered.
The staging of pressure ulcers used in the Medicare Coverage criteria is as follows:
Stage I Nonblanchable erythema of intact skin.
Stage II Partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis and / or dermis.
Stage III Full thickness skin loss involving damage or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue that may extend down to, but not through, underlying fascia.
Stage IV Full thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissue necrosis or damage to muscle, bone or supporting structures.
Patients needing pressure reducing support surfaces should have a care plan which has been established by the patient's physician or home care nurse, and is documented in the patient's medical records, and generally should include the following:
1. Education of patient and caregiver on the prevention and / or management of pressure ulcers.
2. Regular assessment by a nurse, physician or other licensed healthcare practitioner.
3. Appropriate turning and positioning.
4. Appropriate wound care (for stage II, III and IV ulcer).
5. Appropriate management of moisture and incontinence.
6. Nutritional assessment and intervention consistent with the overall plan of care. |
|
 |