Product Information
Wounds can have an unpleasant smell. Foul smell can be caused by bodily fluids that end up on the wound (for instance, due to incontinence), or due to particles released by the wound tissue, as it gets broken down by certain germs. Persons with foul smelling wounds may get acclimated to the smell but may remain concerned about how others perceive it.
Odor of a wound can be evaluated after the wound is cleansed and debrided (if necessary). To reduce any remaining unpleasant odor, causes should be addressed. For example, if the wound is infected, infection should be treated. Other products also help reduce malodor: wound dressings specifically made to control odor and sprays that help eliminate odors in the environment around the person with a foul-smelling wound.
Flagyl 3% gel can be compounded by some pharmacists and applied to a foul smelling wound if other methods for odor control have failed. It is costly but effective for wound odor control.
Pricing and Suppliers
Is it covered by Medicare Part B?
Some dressings that help reduce or eliminate wound odor may be covered by Medicare Part B. Sprays or substances such as Flagyl gel that help eliminate odors are generally non-covered by Medicare. People with Medicare Part B who need to change surgical dressings at their homes and who are not being cared for by a home health agency may have specific types of dressings covered by Medicare. Dressings and supplies need to be considered medically necessary for treatment of a surgical or surgically treated wound. Medicare has guidelines that establish what is considered medically necessary and how often an item can be used.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Local Coverage Determination for Surgical Dressings (L33831)
How can I purchase this product?
If you have coverage through Medicare Part B and this product is not a spray or substance such as Flagyl gel, you may be eligible to have this product covered by Medicare. You will need a written order prescribed by a provider enrolled in Medicare, so that you can purchase this product at a Durable Medical Equipment store that accepts Medicare. You will need to pay deductibles and co-payment. The actual co-payment amount varies according to your state. If you do not have Medicare Part B or your condition does not meet the requirements needed for coverage, you can find this product at pharmacies and medical supply stores. When available, please see pricing in "Other Stores" below.
The table below shows highest and lowest Medicare pricing across the country
| Description | Medicare DME co-payment Min / Max |
| |
$0.00 / $0.00
|
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=440
Other Stores
| Store | Price | Accepts
Medicare* | Accepts
Insurance* | Shipping | Website | Phone |
| Amazon | $79.57 |
Inquire vendor
|
Inquire vendor
| Free with Prime |
www.amazon.com
| |
* Indicates whether store accepts Medicare or commercial insurance, but may not apply to this specific product. See coding, coverage and reimubursement for more information.
The information on this handout is for your convenience and educational purposes only. All product claims and specifications are those of the product suppliers. It does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee for reimbursement. Prices may have changed and suppliers may not have product in stock. Please confirm accuracy and appropriateness of information with insurance carrier and product supplier. Clinician and WoundReference assume no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products and insurance coverage.