Surgical Dressings and Exclusions and Limitations

Surgical dressings are covered in accordance with Medicare Advantage (MA) guidelines and are limited to primary and secondary dressings medically necessary for treatment of a wound caused by, or treated by, a surgical procedure that has been performed by a physician or other health care professional. In addition, surgical dressings required after debridement of a wound are also covered, irrespective of the type of debridement, as long as the debridement was necessary and was performed by a health care professional acting within scope of licensure.

• Primary dressings are therapeutic or protective coverings applied directly to wounds or lesions either on the skin or caused by an opening to the skin
• Secondary dressing materials are items needed to secure primary dressings, such as adhesive tape, roll gauze, bandages, and disposable compression material