| Summary: | Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) applies a localized vacuum to draw the edges of the wound together while providing a moist environment conducive to rapid wound healing. The development of negative pressure techniques for wound healing is based on two theories: (1) the removal of excess interstitial fluid decreases edema and concentrations of inhibitory factors, and increases local blood flow; and (2) stretching and deformation of the tissue by the negative pressure is believed to disturb the extracellular matrix and introduce biochemical responses that promote wound healing. NPWT systems include a vacuum pump, drainage tubing, and a dressing set. The pump may be stationary or portable, may rely on AC or battery power, allows for regulation of the suction strength, has alarms to indicate loss of suction, and has a replaceable collection canister. The dressing sets may contain either foam or gauze dressing to be placed in the wound and an adhesive film drape for sealing the wound. The drainage tubes come in a variety of configurations depending on the dressings used or wound being treated. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have partnered with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to commission a review of NPWT devices as required by the MIPPA legislation. AHRQ contracted with one of its Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs), the ECRI Institute EPC, to perform the review. The purpose of this review is to provide information to CMS to consider along with ot her inputs in evaluating HCPCS coding for NPWT devices. CMS will use this review in its assessment of whether existing HCPCS codes adequately reflect the range of NPWT devices on the market today
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