Noncontact Radiant Heat Wound Therapy Systems
DESCRIPTION
Noncontact radiant heat wound therapy systems have been proposed as a means of enhancing the healing of nonhealing wounds such as venous ulcers by increasing subcutaneous oxygen tension and blood flow to the wound. An example of such a device is the Warm-Up™ Active Wound Therapy System, which consists of a bandage, heating unit, and an infrared warming card. The system is designed to deliver warmth and moisture to the wound and periwound area. The standard components of wound care include dressings, compression stockings, pneumatic compression therapy, antibiotic therapy, and treatment of the underlying co-morbidies and surgery if indicated.
POLICY
The use of a noncontact radiant heat wound therapy system for the treatment of wound healing is considered investigational.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the Medical Policy and a health plan, the express terms of the health plan will govern.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Well-designed studies in peer-reviewed journals regarding the mechanism of how this technology may improve wound healing are lacking. Therefore, it is not known if the technology improves net health outcomes or is as beneficial as any established alternatives.
SOURCES
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Medical Policy Reference Manual. (7:2008). Noncontact radiant heat bandage for the treatment of wounds (2.01.41). Retrieved May 3, 2011 from BlueWeb. (9 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Complete Guide to Medicare Coverage Issues [Computer software]. (2011, April). Noncontact normothermic wound therapy (NNWT), (NCD 270.2, p. 2-216). Ingenix.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/1/2001
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 7/14/2011
ID_BA
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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