Common questions about collagen wound dressings, reimbursement, and clinical protocols
Collagen dressings are reimbursed using specific HCPCS codes:
Medicare Part B covers collagen dressings when medically necessary with proper documentation. Most commercial insurers follow Medicare guidelines. Our reimbursement team can help with specific carrier questions.
Medicare allowable rates vary by region but typically range from $8-$15 per sheet depending on size. CollagenDirect reports a 98% reimbursement success rate when proper documentation is provided. We handle all insurance verification and prior authorization if needed.
Yes, Medicare Part B covers collagen dressings for chronic wounds when:
We ship directly to patients and handle all Medicare claims processing for you.
Most commercial insurers (UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield) cover collagen dressings following Medicare guidelines. Medicaid coverage varies by state but is generally available. Our insurance verification team checks coverage before shipping and handles all prior authorizations.
Required documentation includes:
Document wound status at each dressing change or at minimum weekly. Include:
Prior authorization requirements vary by insurance carrier. CollagenDirect handles all prior authorization requests on your behalf. Our portal flags which patients require PA, and our reimbursement specialists manage the entire process. Typical approval time is 3-5 business days.
Change frequency depends on wound exudate level and product type:
| Product Type | Change Frequency |
|---|---|
| Collagen Sheets (low exudate) | Every 3-7 days |
| Collagen Sheets (moderate/heavy exudate) | Every 1-3 days |
| Collagen Powder | Every 1-7 days |
| Silver Hydrogels | Every 3-7 days |
Note: Always change dressing when saturated or if strike-through occurs.
Yes! Collagen dressings are fully compatible with compression therapy for venous leg ulcers. Application sequence:
Compression therapy is essential for venous ulcer healing and does not reduce collagen efficacy.
Yes, debridement of non-viable tissue is recommended before collagen application for optimal results. Collagen dressings work best on clean wound beds with minimal necrotic tissue or slough. Acceptable debridement methods include:
Contraindications include:
Use with caution: Patients with known allergies to beef or beef products.
Yes, collagen dressings can be used as a contact layer under NPWT foam. Apply collagen directly to wound bed, then place NPWT foam and seal per device instructions. This combination may enhance granulation tissue formation. Change collagen dressing per NPWT dressing change protocol (typically every 2-3 days).
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Select a dressing size that extends at least 1-2 cm beyond the wound edge to ensure full coverage and adherence. For irregular wounds, choose the next size up or use collagen powder. Common sizes:
Order through our physician portal at collagendirect.health/portal:
Most orders ship within 24-48 hours of approval. Standard delivery is 3-5 business days. Expedited shipping available for urgent cases. Patients receive SMS and email notifications with tracking information.
No, all orders require physician authorization through our portal. However, we send refill reminders to you based on the treatment frequency you specify, making it easy to approve ongoing therapy with one click.
Simply update the patient's insurance information in the portal. Our team will re-verify coverage and process any new prior authorizations needed. We'll notify you if there are any coverage issues.
Our clinical and reimbursement specialists are here to help.