Techniques & Procedures for Use
Type | Technique |
Sterile |
|
Clean, single-use |
|
*Clean re-used |
|
* Manufacturer guidelines state that a catheter designed for intermittent drainage of the bladder is single-use and is to be disposed after its catheterization.
Medicare Changes Reimbursement Policy to End Re-use of Intermittent Catheters
On April 1st, 2008, Medicare changed its reimbursement policy on intermittent catheterization. The previous policy only allowed reimbursement for one intermittent catheter per week (4 per month), unless the individual user had lab results or medical documentation stating the existence of at least 2 urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the course of one calendar year. This new policy now allows reimbursement for up to 200 intermittent catheters per month per individual.
This change allows for up to 6 catheter changes a day in hopes to stop re-use of FDA labeled "single-use" catheters. The old policy made individuals sterilize and clean their catheters any way they knew how which lets a very high-risk opportunity to have the individual get infected with catheter-associated bacteria to arise. No longer will catheter users suffer from severely painful UTIs.
Further Related Content:
Watch: Intermittent Catheters - Techniques
Published Date: February 4th, 2020