Transparent film dressings are thin, flexible sheets of clear polyurethane incorporating an adhesive coating on one side so that it sticks to skin. The dressing does not adhere to the wound bed thanks to the reaction of the adhesive with wound fluid, however it does adhere to the skin around the wound. Film dressings are very flexible and conform to body contours, and can be used directly on the wound or on top of another dressing. If used directly on the wound, the transparent film allows useful visualization of the wound bed (i.e, we can see if the wound is healing). Transparent dressings should be removed if there is too much wound fluid pooling under the dressing, as this can lead to damage of both the wound and the surrounding skin. Use of the dressing should also be discontinued if the wound becomes clinically infected.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers specific types of dressings, such as alginate and other fiber gelling dressings, that are 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)
If you have coverage through Medicare Part B, 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 carries this type of product and accepts Medicare. You will need to pay deductibles and co-payment. The actual co-payment amount varies according to your state. The table below shows the highest (ceiling) and lowest (floor) expected co-payment across the country. If you do not have Medicare Part B or do 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.
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=510
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