Single reimbursement code for NPWT devices: Smith & Nephew endorses decision

Nov 9 2009

The Advanced Wound Management division of Smith & Nephew, Inc., a subsidiary of Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN; NYSE: SNN), applauded the federal government's decision last week to maintain the current, single reimbursement code for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices. This decision, announced by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), affirms the conclusion reached by the Agency on Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) earlier this year. AHRQ, like CMS, concluded that evidence does not exist to determine a significant therapeutic distinction between NPWT systems. As a result, CMS decided to maintain a single code for NPWT product components, including the canister and the wound care set.

"Smith & Nephew supports a single code for NPWT. It is the simplest coding requirement for clinicians and other caregivers, and creates value for their institutions," said Tom Dugan, North American President, Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management. "Along with the documented, comparable effectiveness of gauze and foam wound interfaces, this decision maintains the flexibility clinicians want when considering the best NPWT solution for the unique needs of a given wound. We strongly support this decision and believe it is in the best interests of Medicare, physicians, and their patients."

Separate from this decision by CMS, Smith & Nephew recently highlighted results of a multi-center study demonstrating that gauze-based NPWT achieves many of the common treatment goals defined for foam-based NPWT systems, including a reduction in wound dimension and exudate, improvement in granulation tissue, and enhancement of skin graft take. The study's authors presented these results at the recent 24th Annual Clinical Symposium on Advances in Skin and Wound Care in San Antonio, Texas.

The Advanced Wound Management Division of Smith & Nephew offers a broad range of advanced wound care products across a continuum of care that facilitate appropriate product utilization. Within this range of products are its RENASYS(TM) NPWT systems, which include pumps and supply kits that contain foam and gauze dressing options.

SOURCE Smith & Nephew, Inc.