Air-Fluidized Beds for Pressure Ulcers

CMS NCA document | source_status=Closed | review_type=1st Recon | public_comment_open=False | document_id=CAG-00017R

In the absence of new clinical evidence that warrants a change, we will reaffirm the current national coverage policy on air-fluidized beds at this time. We are hopeful that our continued interest in the use of the most effective and appropriate support surfaces for Medicare patients with Stage III and Stage IV pressure ulcers who are being cared for in the non-institutional setting will stimulate scientific interest in this issue. Well-conceived and carefully carried out studies that show what subpopulation of patients clearly require and would benefit most from the use of an air-fluidized bed would be helpful to the Medicare program and the elderly and disabled population for whom it provides care. We encourage the performance of studies comparing the clinical effectiveness of Group 2 support surfaces to that of air-fluidized beds in the treatment of Stage III and Stage IV pressure ulcers in the home setting. It would be particularly useful if the studies were designed with the characteristics of good clinical trials outlined above.