Urological Supplies

Urological supplies consist of catheters and urinary collection devices. Medicare covers urological supplies for patients who have permanent urinary incontinence or permanent urinary retention. A permanent condition is not expected to be medically or surgically corrected within three months.

An order (prescription) must be on file with the supplier. It must be signed and dated by the treating doctor.

Urinary catheters and external urinary collection devices are covered to drain or collect urine for a patient who has permanent urinary incontinence or permanent urinary retention. Permanent urinary retention is defined as retention that is not expected to be medically or surgically corrected in that patient within 3 months. If the catheter or the external urinary collection device meets the coverage criteria then the related supplies that are necessary for their effective use are also covered.
The patient must have a permanent impairment of urination. If the medical record, including the judgment of the attending physician, indicates the condition is of long and indefinite duration (ordinarily at least 3 months), the test of permanence is considered met. Catheters and related supplies will be denied as non-covered in situations in which it is expected that the condition will be temporary.
The use of a urological supply for the treatment of chronic urinary tract infection or other bladder condition in the absence of permanent urinary incontinence or retention is non-covered.
The medical necessity for use of a greater quantity of supplies than the amounts specified in the policy must be well documented in the patient's medical record.

You must purchase urological supplies. An order (prescription) must be on file with the supplier. It must be signed and dated by the treating doctor.