Part 2 — Navigating Insurance Coverage for Intermittent Catheter Supplies

Depending on the type of insurance you have, you may be able to get your intermittent catheter supplies covered. If you have a spinal cord injury that requires you to catheterize, it’s important to know your various insurance options.

Learn about your insurance options for intermittent catheter coverage, including Medicare.

Navigating insurance coverage, including Medicare, can be challenging. If you have an ongoing need for intermittent catheter supplies, it’s important to understand your healthcare insurance options. Otherwise, the costs could take a toll on your finances.

In part 1 of this 2-part series, we focused on how doctors, suppliers, and insurance plans categorize intermittent catheter supplies using the Healthcare Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). We also went over your choices within the three relevant HCPCS codes. In this article, we’re going to discuss specific insurance plans.

Insurance options for intermittent catheter coverage – a snapshot

For most people with a spinal cord injury in the US, healthcare insurance options for coverage of intermittent catheters include Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance companies. Below is a brief overview of each:

Medicare coverage of intermittent catheter supplies

Since Medicaid varies by state, and private insurance coverage varies by individual plans, we’ll focus on Medicare, which has clearly-defined criteria for intermittent catheter supplies.

Fortunately, Medicare will cover intermittent catheterization for people who have urinary retention or incontinence for three or more months. They allow a new sterile catheter for each emptying of the bladder (up to 200 per month, if needed). Below are the HCPCS codes for the different types of intermittent catheter products:.

Medicare coverage for straight tip intermittent catheters is straightforward. The need for a curved intermittent catheter, however, must be documented in your medical records. In part 1 of this article, we discussed the additional guidelines that need to be followed for submitting claims for “no-touch” catheters, as well as the criteria for establishing the medical need.

One money-saving tip is to utilize an intermittent catheter supplier that will “accept assignment.” This means that the supplier agrees to accept the Medicare-approved fee schedule as payment in whole. Medicare will pay 80% of the supplier’s fee and the other 20% would be your responsibility. So, working with a supplier under this arrangement may reduce your out of pocket expenses. You don’t have to pay price premiums but you would still have a co-pay (paid either out of pocket or via secondary insurance) and you would be responsible for any deductibles.

Important: Medicare offers a choice of intermittent catheters

Medicare empowers you, as a consumer, to choose from a variety of intermittent catheter products at each HCPCS code level. You can choose the intermittent catheter brand and product that works best for you within each category.

Your choices within the A4351 category vary from unlubricated catheters with separate gel to hydrophilic pre-lubricated catheters. If you qualify for A4353 your choices range from a sterile catheter with a separately packaged sterile kit to an all-inclusive “no-touch” catheter system. Knowing that you have choices, work with your healthcare team and supplier to determine the intermittent catheter that is covered under Medicare and works best for you.

Tips for preventing a Medicare claim denial

It’s critical to ensure that your physician and supplier are working together to gather proper Medicare documentation for your intermittent catheter supplies so your claims won’t be denied. Products that Medicare considers “durable medical equipment,” such as intermittent catheters, must meet the following documentation requirements for proper claim processing:

1. Prescription (orders)
2. Medical record information (including continued need if applicable)
3. Number of times you catheterize per day
4. Correct HCPCS coding
5. Proof of delivery (suppliers are required to maintain proof of delivery documentation files)
6. A Standard Written Order received by the supplier before a claim is submitted

Your physician and supplier should be familiar with these requirements for proper documentation. Still, it never hurts to check with both parties to make sure all five items have been submitted in your claim.

For more details on insurance coverage, visit our intermittent catheter reimbursement page.

Prior to the use of an intermittent catheter, be sure to read the Instructions for Use for information regarding Intended Use, Contraindications, Warnings, Precautions and Instructions.

And don’t forget that Hollister Secure Start Services is always available to help you navigate the insurance market. Based on your insurance plan, our Consumer Service Advisors can explain your options and answer your questions.