The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) statement in response to an HHS Office of Inspector General's report that concluded the CMS was making excessive payments for negative pressure wound therapy pumps (NPWT pumps). CMS stated that it will consider whether it would be able to gather valid and reliable data to limit Medicare payments for pumps. CMS also will consider including pumps when designing the second round of the competitive bidding acquisition program.
Further, CMS stated that it will monitor and track trends in utilization of pumps and track the market share among different pump suppliers. CMS also concurred to educate pump suppliers on the importance of communication with beneficiaries’ treating clinicians. Lastly, CMS concurred to follow up on pump claims that may be inappropriate and stated that it is working with its contractors to strengthen its oversight in this area.
Negative pressure wound therapy pumps (pumps) are portable or stationary devices used for the treatment of ulcers or wounds that have not responded to traditional wound treatment methods.