Surgical Dressings

Surgical dressings, a separate Medicare Part B benefit category in accordance with section1861(s)(5) of the Social Security Act, are defined in program instructions in Chapter 15, Section 100 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual (CMS Pub. 100-02). Surgical dressings are limited to primary and secondary dressings required for the treatment of a wound caused by, or treated by, a surgical procedure that has been performed by a physician or other health care professional to the extent permissible under State law. 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 reasonable and necessary and was performed by a health care professional acting within the scope of their legal authority when performing this function. Surgical dressings are covered for as long as they’re medically necessary. 

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 that serve a therapeutic or protective function and that are needed to secure a primary dressing are also covered. Items such as adhesive tape, roll gauze, bandages, and disposable compression material are examples of secondary dressings. Elastic stockings, support hose, foot coverings, leotards, knee supports, surgical leggings, gauntlets, and pressure garments for the arms and hands are examples of items that aren’t ordinarily covered as surgical dressings. Some items, such as transparent film, may be used as a primary or secondary dressing.