US · guidance
CMS Pub. 100-03, ch. 1, § 270.4
Treatment of Decubitus Ulcers
CIM 35-31
An accepted procedure for healing decubitus ulcers is to remove dead tissue from the lesions and
to keep them clean to promote the growth of new tissue. This may be accomplished by
hydrotherapy (whirlpool) treatments. Hydrotherapy (whirlpool) treatment for decubitus ulcers is
a covered service under Medicare for patients when treatment is reasonable and necessary. Some
other methods of treating decubitus ulcers, the safety and effectiveness of which have not been
established, are not covered under the Medicare program. Some examples of these types of
treatments are: ultraviolet light, low intensity direct current, topical application of oxygen, and
topical dressings with Balsam of Peru in castor oil.
History
(Rev. 1, 10-03-03)
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-08-25
- Edition
- iom-2026-08-25
- Content hash
0413fc98f32c34b8cb2856de31432a5d6febea4982525dc31c0470bbd0d41038
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