Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices Technology. Assessment Report

摘要

Section 154 (c) (3) of the Medicare Improvements for Patient and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 calls for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to perform an evaluation of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) coding decisions for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) devices. Specifically, the evaluation of existing HCPCS codes for NPWT should: Ensure accurate reporting and billing for items and services under such codes; and use an existing process for the consideration of coding changes and consider all relevant studies and information furnished pursuant to such processes. The HCPCS Level II coding system is a comprehensive, standardized system that classifies similar products that are medical in nature into categories for the purpose of efficient claims processing. Products are classified based on similarities in function and whether the products exhibit significant therapeutic distinctions from other products. Currently, all NPWT devices are classified into the same HCPCS codes. The Healthcare Common Procedures Coding System (HCPCS) code E2402 applies to the pump and HCPCS code A6550 applies to the dressing sets. HCPCS code A7000 applies to the canister that goes with the pump. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) applies a localized vacuum to draw the edges of the wound together while providing a moist environment conducive to rapid wound healing. The development of negative pressure techniques for wound healing is based on two theories: (1) the removal of excess interstitial fluid decreases edema and concentrations of inhibitory factors, and increases local blood flow; and (2) stretching and deformation of the tissue by the negative pressure is believed to disturb the extracellular matrix and introduce biochemical responses that promote wound healing.