Is Purewick Covered by Medicare? How to Get the Best Incontinence Care for Less

Purewick is a device that helps women manage urinary incontinence by providing a non-invasive and comfortable way to collect and dispose of urine.

It consists of a soft and flexible external catheter that fits around the female genitalia and a urine collection system that connects to a wall suction or a portable pump.

Purewick can help women avoid the risks and complications of indwelling catheters, such as infections, bladder spasms, and urethral damage.

But is Purewick covered by Medicare? In this article, we will answer this question and provide you with some tips on how to get the most out of your Medicare coverage for Purewick.

An infographic on is purewick covered by medicare
An infographic on is purewick covered by medicare

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers people who are 65 or older, disabled, or have certain medical conditions.

Medicare has four parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.

Part A covers hospital services, Part B covers medical services, Part C covers private health plans, and Part D covers prescription drugs.

Depending on your eligibility and enrollment, you may have different types of Medicare coverage for Purewick.

How Does Medicare Cover Purewick?

An infographic on the Qualification for Medicare coverage for Purewick
An infographic on the Qualification for Medicare coverage for Purewick

Medicare covers Purewick as a durable medical equipment (DME), which is a device that serves a medical purpose, can withstand repeated use, and is appropriate for use in the home.

Medicare covers 80% of the cost of the Purewick device, up to a maximum of $160 per month, after you meet your deductible.

You are responsible for the remaining 20%, unless you have a supplemental insurance plan that covers it.

Medicare also covers the cost of the Purewick supplies, such as the external catheters, the tubing, and the collection canisters, up to a maximum of $200 per month.

However, Medicare does not cover the cost of the Purewick device and supplies automatically. You need to meet certain criteria to qualify for Medicare coverage for Purewick, such as:

  • You have a diagnosis of urinary incontinence from your doctor.
  • You have a prescription for Purewick from your doctor.
  • You have tried and failed other methods of managing your incontinence, such as behavioral therapy, pelvic floor exercises, medication, or pads.
  • You have a medical need for Purewick, such as mobility impairment, skin breakdown, or recurrent urinary tract infections.
  • You use Purewick at least 4 hours per day, 5 days per week.
  • You obtain Purewick from a Medicare-approved supplier.

How to Apply for Medicare Coverage for Purewick?

An infographic on How to apply for Medicare coverage for Purewick
An infographic on How to apply for Medicare coverage for Purewick

If you meet the criteria for Medicare coverage for Purewick, you need to follow these steps to apply for coverage:

  • Visit your doctor and get a diagnosis of urinary incontinence and a prescription for Purewick. Your doctor will need to document your medical history, physical examination, and treatment plan, and provide a detailed written order for Purewick.
  • Find a Medicare-approved supplier that provides Purewick. You can use the [Medicare Supplier Directory](https://www.purewickathome.com/faq.html) to search for suppliers by zip code, product category, or name. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get a list of suppliers in your area.
  • Contact the supplier and provide them with your Medicare information, your doctor’s prescription, and your medical records. The supplier will verify your eligibility and coverage, and process your order. You may need to sign an agreement that states that you understand your rights and responsibilities, and that you agree to use Purewick as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Receive your Purewick device and supplies from the supplier. The supplier will deliver your Purewick device and supplies to your home, and provide you with instructions on how to use and maintain them. The supplier will also bill Medicare for the cost of the Purewick device and supplies, and collect your co-payment if applicable.

How to Maximize Your Medicare Coverage for Purewick?

To get the most out of your Medicare coverage for Purewick, you should follow these tips:

– Use Purewick as prescribed by your doctor. You should use Purewick at least 4 hours per day, 5 days per week, to maintain your Medicare coverage. You should also follow your doctor’s recommendations on how to change and dispose of the Purewick external catheters, tubing, and collection canisters.
– Keep your records and receipts. You should keep a copy of your doctor’s prescription, your medical records, your supplier’s agreement, and your receipts for the Purewick device and supplies. You may need these documents to prove your eligibility and coverage, or to file a claim or an appeal.
– Review your Medicare statements. You should review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) that you receive from Medicare or your health plan. These statements show the services and products that you received, the amount that Medicare paid, and the amount that you owe. You should check these statements for any errors or discrepancies, and report them to Medicare or your health plan as soon as possible.
– Contact your supplier if you have any questions or problems. You should contact your supplier if you have any questions or problems with your Purewick device or supplies, such as delivery, billing, warranty, or replacement. You should also contact your supplier if you need to update your information, change your order, or cancel your service.

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Conclusion

Purewick is a device that helps women manage urinary incontinence by providing a non-invasive and comfortable way to collect and dispose of urine.

Medicare covers Purewick as a durable medical equipment, but you need to meet certain criteria to qualify for coverage.

You also need to apply for coverage through a Medicare-approved supplier, and use Purewick as prescribed by your doctor.

By following these steps, you can get the Medicare coverage you deserve for Purewick, and enjoy the benefits of this innovative device.

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