Hydrocolloids | Wound Care Dressings

Product comparison

Overview

Hydrocolloid wound dressings are occlusive or semiocclusive dressings made of gelatin, pectin, polysaccharides or sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Hydrocolloid dressings are available in paste, powder, gel or sheet/wafer forms with a polyurethane or film outer layer (pastes and gels require secondary dressing). These dressings gel upon contact with wound exudate, providing a moist wound healing environment and promoting autolytic debridement.

Features

Hydrocolloid dressings feature the following general performance properties and attributes:
• Non-adherent to moist wound base
• Water-resistant
• Impermeable to bacteria, gases, water, water vapor and other external contaminants
• Self-adherent
• Moldable
• Can be used under compression products
• Maintain moisture by gelling on contact with exudate
• Designed to be worn for 1 to 7 days
• Can be cut to fit

Indications

Hydrocolloids are indicated for use as either a primary or secondary dressing in the treatment of lightly to moderately exuding partial- and full-thickness wounds such as dermal ulcers, skin tears, lacerations, pressure ulcers, or wounds with necrotic tissue or slough.

Contraindications

Hydrocolloid dressings are generally contraindicated for: burns or dry wounds; wounds with heavy exudate; tunneling wounds or sinus tracts; infected wounds; wounds with exposed tendon or bone; wounds with fragile periwound skin. Some hydrocolloid dressings are contraindicated for use on full-thickness wounds.

Warnings

The following general warnings apply to hydrocolloid dressings. Always refer to manufacturer information for Warnings and Precautions for a specific product.

May leave residue in wound bed.
May encourage hypertrophic granulation.
May cause maceration of periwound skin.
May increase the risk for anaerobic infection.
Limits gas exchange between wound bed and environment.
May injure fragile skin upon removal.
May present with odor on dressing change, which should not be confused as a sign of infection.

Reimbursement Information

A6234 – Pad size less than or equal to 16 in², without border
A6235 – Pad size more than 16 in² but less than or equal to 48 in2² without border
A6236 – Pad size more than 48 in², without border
A6237 – Pad size less than or equal to 16 in², with border
A6238 – Pad size more than 16 in² but less than or equal to 48 in², with border
A6239 – Pad size more than 48 in², with border
A6240 – Hydrocolloid dressing for wound filler in paste form
A6241 – Hydrocolloid dressing for wound filler in dry form

Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Coverage Guidelines by Jurisdiction
Jurisdictions A, B, C and D:
Hydrocolloid dressings are covered for use on wounds with light to moderate exudate. Usual dressing change for hydrocolloid wound covers or hydrocolloid wound fillers is up to 3 times per week.

Disclaimer: Information regarding coding, coverage and payment is provide as a service to users. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information. However, Kestrel Health Information, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not represent, guarantee or warranty that the coding, coverage and payment information is error-free or that payment will be received. Users should always verify coverage policy, medical necessity requirements and coding instructions, and should review bulletins issued by the specific payer.

Upcoming Webinars

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Pressure Injuries, Diabetic Foot Ulcers, and Venous Leg Ulcers: A Panel Discussion on Optimizing Patient Healing
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Presenter: Shawn Frederick, MS, BCMAS

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