Pressure reducing support surfaces are a type of medical equipment used for the care of pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers or injuries. Pressure ulcers are lesions caused by constant pressure on areas in contact with the mattress, resulting in damage of skin and deep tissues.
Some pressure reducing mattresses are powered by electricity (known as powered pressure-reducing air mattresses) and others are not. They replace a standard hospital or home mattress and are either integrated to or placed on a hospital bed frame. Powered pressure reducing mattresses have a surface designed to reduce friction and shear through technologies know as alternating pressure, low air loss, or powered flotation without low air loss. They have a pump or blower which provides either sequential inflation and deflation of the air cells or a low interface pressure throughout the mattress. They are indicated for persons with deeper pressure ulcers (stage II, III or IV) or after surgery, for persons who received a flap or skin graft to cover a wound.
Local Coverage Determination for Pressure Reducing Support Surfaces - Group 2 (L33642)
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers rental of powered pressure-reducing air mattresses that are considered medically necessary for treatment of a superficial (stage II) or deep (stages III or IV) pressure injuries with skin loss, or following a flap or skin graft surgery. Rental reimbursement is capped at 13 months for pressure ulcers, and at 60 days for flaps or skin grafts. Medicare has guidelines that establish what is considered medically necessary and how often an item can be used.
Powered pressure-reducing air mattresses can be rented through Medicare from medical equipment stores. You can also purchase this product "out-of-pocket" (without insurance), from medical equipment stores.
If your insurance does not cover this product, you can purchase it directly from any store. A list of online stores and prices is provided below for your convenience. For updated prices, find it on the internet at https://woundreference.com/app/product?id=1425
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