Need help with wound supplies - Medicare Insurance

[Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN]

Hi, my private duty patient has recently gone on Medicare. He has chronic, non-healing wounds that do not change much. The wounds are draining and require a lot of supplies. Since we have gotten Medicare, the wound supplies were mostly denied. They also expect us to reduce the number of dressing changes. Is there anything I can do about this? Is there forms we can take to the woundcare doctor and have him fill out? Or is this a normal situation for Medicare patients? Any advice would be welcome. TIA

[Eagle2110, ASN, BSN, APRN]

Hi.

Do you know if private duty nursing is the same as home health? I work in wound care and if the patient has home health then home health is required to provide all supplies since Medicare is paying home health. If not then yes there are DME companies that you can order supplies through. TWS and Prism are two companies that come to mind. If he does have a wound care center that he goes to then they probably have certain companies they use or may even provide patients with supplies directly. Hope this helps.

[Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN]

No, private duty is paid by Medicaid. We don't supply anything to the patients. I will ask at the wound care office at the next visit. Thanks!