3.0 DESCRIPTION
NPWT applies a localized vacuum
to draw the edges of an open wound together while providing a moist
environment conducive to rapid wound healing. NPWT is also known
as Topical Negative Pressure (TNP) and Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC).
The goal of NPWT is to create a controlled, closed wound amenable
to surgical closure, grafting, or healing by secondary intention.
An evacuation tube is embedded in a dressing made of foam. After
thorough wound debridement, the foam dressing is placed within the
wound bed and covered by a dressing to form an airtight seal, and
the tube is attached to a vacuum unit. Continuous or intermittent
negative pressure is applied. The amount of pressure is determined
by the wound type. NPWT is designed to result in: (1) removal of
excess fluid; (2) increased blood flow and decreased bacterial colonization;
(3) granulation tissue formation; and (4) partial or complete wound
closure with or without the need for additional procedures.
4.0 POLICY
4.1 A
NPWT pump and supplies are covered when one of the following conditions
exists:
4.1.1 Complications of surgically
created wound (e.g., dehiscence, poststernotomy disunion with exposed
sternal bone, poststernotomy mediastinitis, or postoperative disunion
of the abdominal wall).
4.1.2 Traumatic
wound (e.g., preoperative flap or graft, exposed bones, tendons,
or vessels) and a need for accelerated formation of granulation
tissue not achievable by other topical wound treatments (e.g., the
individual has comorbidities that will not allow for healing times
usually achievable with other available topical wound treatments).
4.1.3 Chronic nonhealing Stage III
or IV pressure ulcer, diabetic neuropathic ulcer or chronic venous
ulcer with lack of improvement for at least the previous 30 days
despite standard wound therapy, including the application of moist
topical dressings, debridement of necrotic tissue (if present),
maintenance of an adequate nutritional status, and weekly evaluations
with documentation of wound measurements (i.e., length, width, and
depth).
4.2 NPWT
is covered:
4.2.1 Only after careful consideration
has been given to the following risk factors:
• Patients
with friable vessels and infected blood vessels, sharp edges in
the wound (i.e., bone fragments), or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) (stimulation
of sympathetic nervous system);
• Patients
requiring Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), hyperbaric chamber, defibrillation;
• Patient
size and weight;
• Use near vagus nerve (bradycardia);
• Circumferential
dressing application;
• Mode of
therapy-intermittent versus continuous negative pressure.
4.2.2 For a period of up to four
months (including the time NPWT was applied in an inpatient setting
prior to discharge to the home) in the treatment of any wound. The
medical necessity of NPWT beyond four months will be given individual
consideration based upon required additional documentation including
but not limited to:
4.2.2.1 Documentation of progression
of healing of the wound on two successive dressing changes, as determined
by quantitative measurements of wound characteristics including
wound length and width (surface area), or depth, serially observed
and documented; and
4.2.2.2 Documentation of appropriate
medical professional supervision or performance of weekly wound
measurement and assessment functions as well as the negative pressure
wound therapy dressing changes required; or
4.2.3 In the judgment of the treatment
physician, until adequate wound healing has occurred to the degree
that NPWT may be discontinued; or
4.2.4 Until
equipment or supplies are no longer being used for the patient,
whether or not by the physician’s order.
4.3 When the patient is monitored
frequently in an appropriate care setting by a licensed health care
professional. Frequency of monitoring shall be determined by the
patient’s condition, wound status, wound location, and co-morbidities.
4.4 When the patient is determined
to be a proper candidate for using the NPWT system at home, a licensed
health care professional will ensure the patient receives appropriate
training prior to using the NPWT system to include:
• Demonstration
and documentation of the patient’s proficiency in using the system;
• Potential
complications and their signs and symptoms, and what to do if complications occur;
• Ensuring
patient understanding of the warnings associated with NPWT system
use; and
• Providing patient with a written
copy of the patient labeling from the NPWT manufacturer, if available.
4.5 A licensed health care professional,
for the purposes of this policy, may be a physician, Physician’s
Assistant (PA), Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse
(LPN), or Physical Therapist (PT). The practitioner should be licensed
to assess wounds and/or administer wound care within the state where
the beneficiary is receiving NPWT.
5.0 EXCLUSIONs
5.1 An NPWT
pump and supplies are excluded under any of the following conditions:
5.1.1 For patients whose wounds respond
to standard therapeutic measures.
5.1.2 The patient
cannot tolerate the use of NPWT.
5.1.3 For patients
with the following contraindications:
• Active
bleeding;
• Anticoagulant use;
• Difficult wound hemostasis;
• Exposed organs;
• Exposed vasculature;
• Exposed nerves;
• Exposed anastomotic site;
• Inadequately debrided wounds;
• Untreated osteomyelitis;
• Necrotic tissue with eschar
present;
• Infection in the wound;
• Malignancy in the wound; and
• Non-enteric and unexplored
fistulas.
5.1.4 Uniform
granulation tissue has been obtained.
5.1.5 The depth
of the wound is less than one mm, as wounds of this depth cannot accommodate
the sponge.