Tettelbach W, Arnold J, Aviles A, Barrett C, Bhatia A, Desvigne M, Gould LJ, Speyrer MS, Suski M, Traynor CJ, Vlad L, et al.
Wounds : a compendium of clinical research and practice. Date of publication 2019 Feb 1;volume 31(2 Suppl):S1-S17.
1. Wounds. 2019 Feb;31(2 Suppl):S1-S17.
Use of mechanically powered disposable negative pressure wound therapy:
recommendations and reimbursement update.
Tettelbach W(1), Arnold J(2), Aviles A(3), Barrett C(4), Bhatia A(5), Desvigne
M(6), Gould LJ(7), Speyrer MS(8), Suski M(9), Traynor CJ(10), Vlad L(11).
Author information:
(1)Landmark Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT.
(2)Healing Center, Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, IA.
(3)Ascension Providence Park Wound and Hyperbaric Medicine, Novi, MI.
(4)Crozer Keystone Centers for Wound Healing, Springfield, PA.
(5)Columbus Podiatry and Surgery Inc, Columbus, OH.
(6)Valley Wound Care Specialists, Glendale, AZ.
(7)South Shore Health Center for Wound Healing, Weymouth, MA.
(8)The Wound Treatment Center, LLC at Opelousas General Health System, Opelousas,
LA.
(9)Los Robles Hospital, Thousand Oaks, CA.
(10)St. Mary's Medical Center, San Francisco, CA.
(11)Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem,
NC.
Use of ultra-portable, mechanically powered disposable negative pressure wound
therapy (dNPWT) has grown as an adjunctive modality to manage wounds in
outpatient care and to expedite transition of inpatients to an outpatient
setting. This technology has demonstrated similar efficacy and usability for
mobile outpatients when compared with electrically powered negative pressure
wound therapy devices. It was designed for patients with smaller, low to
moderately exudating wounds and does not require batteries or a power source.
However, very few studies address best practices for using dNPWT in a variety of
wound types. There is a need for comprehensive clinical recommendations to better
direct clinicians and patients in using this therapy. In addition, it is critical
that providers are knowledgeable about processes for obtaining reimbursement for
placement of dNPWT since codes and procedures differ drastically from standard
NPWT. A panel meeting of experts with a high level of experience with dNPWT in
varied wound types was convened to develop clinical recommendations and summarize
current US reimbursement coding guidelines for the use of dNPWT. This publication
summarizes the recommendations from panel members, in addition to supporting
evidence, to help guide appropriate use of dNPWT. Panel recommendations regarding
optimal patient and wound selection, wound preparation, proper patient training,
and use of dNPWT in various wound types are included as well as clinical
techniques for dressing application, bridging under offloading devices and
compression, maintaining a seal, and protecting intact skin. Processes and codes
for obtaining reimbursement for dNPWT are reviewed by care setting. Clinical
recommendations and reimbursement guidelines summarized in this publication are
meant to provide direction to clinicians in using dNPWT that potentially could
translate into improved clinical and economic value.
PMID: 30741645 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
