There are two basic situations when surgical dressings are covered.

• When they are required for the treatment of a wound caused by or treated by a surgical procedure; or
• When they are required after debridement of a wound

The surgical debridement must be performed by a physician or other healthcare professional to the extent permissible under state law.

Types of debridement:

• Surgical (sharp instrument or laser)
• Mechanical (irrigation or wet-to-dry dressing)
• Chemical (topical application of enzymes)
• Autolytic (application of occlusive dressings to an open wound)

Additional information on Surgical dressing can be found in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) L33831 and Policy Article A54563 on the CMS website.