💙 For Patients & Caregivers

Patient FAQ

Common questions about wound healing, collagen dressings, and your treatment

💰 Insurance & Costs

Will my insurance cover collagen wound dressings?

Yes! Most insurance plans cover collagen dressings when prescribed by your doctor for chronic wounds. This includes:

  • Medicare - Part B covers medically necessary wound care
  • Medicaid - Coverage in all 50 states
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna - Major insurers
  • Medicare Advantage plans
  • Most employer-sponsored plans

CollagenDirect handles all insurance verification and billing for you. We'll let your doctor know if there are any coverage issues before we ship your supplies.

How much will I have to pay out of pocket?

Your cost depends on your insurance plan:

  • Medicare: Typically 20% after deductible (usually $5-15 per order)
  • Medicare Advantage: Varies by plan, often $0-$30 copay
  • Commercial Insurance: Usually 80-100% covered after deductible
  • Medicaid: Often $0 cost to you

We verify your exact coverage before shipping and will let you know your cost in advance. No surprise bills.

What if my insurance denies coverage?

If your insurance denies coverage, our reimbursement specialists will work with your doctor to appeal the decision. Most denials are due to incomplete documentation, which we help resolve. You won't receive any supplies until coverage is confirmed, so you're never stuck with unexpected bills.

Can I pay cash if I don't have insurance?

Yes, cash pricing is available. Contact our support team at 1-888-415-6880 for pricing information. We also offer payment plans for patients without insurance.

🏥 Treatment & Healing

What are collagen wound dressings?

Collagen dressings are advanced wound care products made from natural collagen protein (usually from bovine/cow sources). When applied to your wound, the collagen provides a scaffold that helps your body build new tissue and heal faster. Think of it like adding building blocks to help repair damaged skin.

Are collagen dressings painful to use?

No! Collagen dressings are soft and comfortable. They don't stick to your wound like some traditional dressings, which makes removal much more comfortable. The dressing helps keep your wound moist, which actually reduces pain. Most patients report that collagen dressings are more comfortable than gauze.

How long does it take for wounds to heal with collagen?

Healing time varies based on several factors:

  • Wound type and size
  • Your overall health (diabetes, circulation, nutrition)
  • Wound location
  • How long you've had the wound

Many patients see improvement within 2-4 weeks, with complete healing often occurring within 8-12 weeks. Clinical studies show collagen can speed healing by up to 40% compared to standard care. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.

What types of wounds can be treated with collagen?

Collagen dressings work well for many wound types:

  • ✓ Diabetic foot ulcers
  • ✓ Pressure sores (bedsores)
  • ✓ Venous leg ulcers
  • ✓ Arterial ulcers
  • ✓ Surgical wounds
  • ✓ Traumatic wounds
  • ✓ Burns (1st & 2nd degree)
  • ✓ Donor sites

How do I know if my wound is healing?

Signs your wound is healing include:

  • ✓ Wound getting smaller (shrinking)
  • ✓ Less drainage/fluid
  • ✓ Pink or red healthy tissue forming (granulation)
  • ✓ Wound edges pulling together
  • ✓ Less pain
  • ✓ No foul odor

Warning signs to call your doctor: Increased redness around wound, more pain, fever, foul smell, green/yellow drainage, wound getting larger.

🛁 Daily Care & Activities

Can I shower or bathe with a collagen dressing?

It depends on your wound location and the outer bandage covering the collagen:

  • Showering: Usually OK if covered with waterproof bandage - ask your doctor
  • Bathing/Soaking: Avoid tubs, hot tubs, and swimming pools
  • Sponge baths: Always safe - just avoid getting the dressing wet

If your dressing gets wet, it should be changed. Call your doctor or nurse for instructions.

How often is the dressing changed?

Your doctor will tell you how often to change your dressing, but typical schedules are:

  • Collagen sheets: Every 3-7 days
  • If wound is draining: Every 1-3 days
  • Silver dressings: Every 3-7 days

Your nurse or doctor will show you (or your caregiver) how to change the dressing, or you can have home health visits.

Can I walk/exercise with a wound dressing?

Yes, staying active actually helps healing by improving circulation! However:

  • • Follow your doctor's advice about weight-bearing (especially for foot wounds)
  • • Wear proper shoes if wound is on your foot
  • • Use compression stockings if recommended for leg ulcers
  • • Avoid high-impact activities that could re-injure the area

What should I eat to help my wound heal?

Good nutrition is essential for wound healing. Focus on:

Best Foods:

  • • Protein (chicken, fish, eggs, beans)
  • • Vitamin C (citrus, berries)
  • • Zinc (meat, nuts, whole grains)
  • • Lots of water (8+ glasses/day)

Avoid:

  • • Smoking (slows healing)
  • • Excess alcohol
  • • High sugar (especially if diabetic)
  • • Dehydration

📦 Delivery & Orders

How will I receive my wound care supplies?

Your supplies ship directly to your home:

  • 📦 Discreet packaging - No medical labels on outside of box
  • 🚚 UPS or FedEx delivery - Most orders arrive in 3-5 business days
  • 📱 Text & email tracking - Know exactly when it's arriving
  • 🏠 Left at your door - No signature required

What if I'm not home when delivery arrives?

No problem! Packages are left at your door and don't require a signature. If you have concerns about package security, you can request delivery to a UPS Store or FedEx location for pickup.

How do I reorder supplies?

Your doctor manages all reorders through the CollagenDirect portal. When you're running low, we'll automatically remind your doctor to approve your next shipment. You don't need to do anything - we make it easy!

If you need supplies sooner, call us at 1-888-415-6880 and we'll contact your doctor.

What if my order is delayed or lost?

Contact our support team immediately at 1-888-415-6880. We'll track your package and expedite a replacement if needed at no charge. Your wound care can't wait!

🔒 Safety & Side Effects

Are there any side effects from collagen dressings?

Collagen dressings are very safe with minimal side effects. Rarely, some patients may experience:

  • • Mild skin irritation or redness around wound edges
  • • Allergic reaction (very rare, see below)

Most patients have no problems at all. The benefits far outweigh the risks.

Can I be allergic to collagen dressings?

True allergies to collagen are very rare. However, you should tell your doctor if you:

  • • Have allergies to beef or beef products
  • • Have had allergic reactions to other wound dressings
  • • Have a history of severe allergies

Signs of allergic reaction: severe itching, hives, rash spreading beyond wound, difficulty breathing. Call 911 if you have trouble breathing.

Is collagen safe for diabetics?

Yes! Collagen dressings are especially beneficial for diabetic foot ulcers. They help wounds heal faster and reduce infection risk. Many of our patients have diabetes, and collagen is a standard treatment for diabetic wounds.

Can I use collagen if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes, collagen dressings are topical (applied to skin only) and safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, always tell your doctor about pregnancy or nursing so they can monitor your treatment appropriately.

📞 Contact & Support

Need help? We're here for you!

Our patient support team is available Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM Central Time