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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesMedical And Surgical SuppliesHCPCS hcpcs-a6231-hydrogel-impregnated-gauze-wound-dressing
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    HCPCS Level II A6231: Hydrogel-Impregnated Sterile Gauze Dressing

    HCPCS Level II code A6231 describes a sterile, hydrogel-impregnated gauze dressing for direct wound contact, pad size 16 square inches or less; this supplies-based wound care item is used for wound management and can be provided in outpatient clinics, wound care centers, emergency departments, and home health settings where sterile topical dressings are applied.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Salivary Hormone Testing, Parathyroid Hormone, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Magnesium Testing, Bone Turnover Markers Testing.

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A patient presents to an outpatient wound care clinic with a superficial to partial-thickness wound such as a small traumatic abrasion, postoperative incision with minimal drainage, or diabetic foot ulcer requiring moisture-retentive dressing. The wound is assessed by a nurse or wound care clinician: size and depth are measured, surrounding skin inspected, and signs of infection evaluated. After cleansing and debridement as indicated, a sterile hydrogel-impregnated gauze pad A6231 (16 sq. in. or less) is applied directly to the wound bed to maintain a moist healing environment, reduce pain, and facilitate autolytic debridement. The dressing is secured with secondary dressing or bandage and dressing change frequency is documented in the plan of care. Typical sites of service include outpatient wound care clinics, physician offices, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits where sterile, small hydrogel dressings are used for direct wound contact.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    97597Debridement, open wound, selective debridement, without anesthesia (e.g., sharp, enzymatic), first 20 sq cm or lessOften performed immediately before application of A6231 when necrotic tissue or slough requires removal
    11042Debridement, subcutaneous tissue, first 20 sq cm or less; simple (eg, for infected wounds)Surgical debridement that may precede placement of hydrogel gauze in the operating room or procedure area
    99213Office or other outpatient visit for evaluation and management of an established patient, low to moderate complexityTypical visit code used when wound is assessed and A6231 is applied in clinic
    99503Home visit for wound care (skilled nurse), per visitUsed when wound dressing change with A6231 is performed in the home by a qualified clinician
    29581Application of multi-layer compression system, lower extremity (sc57)May be used along with A6231 dressing for venous leg ulcers where compression is indicated

    Related Modifiers

    6 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    163W00000XRegistered Nurse(1) A registered nurse is a person qualified by graduation from an accredited nursing school (depending upon schooling, a registered nurse may receive…
    207Q00000XFamily Medicine PhysicianFamily Medicine is the medical specialty which is concerned with the total health care of the individual and the family. It is the specialty in breadt…
    363L00000XNurse Practitioner(1) A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision mak…
    163WH0200XHome Health Registered NurseNursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse
    207L00000XAnesthesiology PhysicianAn anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
    246ZC0007XSurgical AssistantA surgical assistant is a skilled practitioner who has undergone formalized education and training as a surgical assistant. The surgical assistant per…
    405300000XPrevention ProfessionalPrevention Professionals work in programs aimed to address specific patient needs, such as suicide prevention, violence prevention, alcohol avoidance,…
    286500000XMilitary HospitalA health care facility operated by the Department of Defense.

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Endocrinology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Salivary Hormone TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Parathyroid Hormone, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Magnesium TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Bone Turnover Markers TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Testosterone — Coverage Criteria for Measurement and MonitoringOscar Health2026-10-01
    Diabetes Mellitus Testing — Coverage CriteriaOscar Health2026-10-01
    Thyroid Disease TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Thyroid Disease Testingblue cross blue shield - louisiana2026-09-15
    Thyroid Disease TestingBlue Cross Blue Shield - New Mexico2026-09-04
    Parathyroid Hormone, Phosphorous, Calcium and Magnesium TestingBlue Cross Blue Shield - New Mexico2026-09-04
    Testosterone laboratory testing and managementPremera Bluecross2026-09-04

    Related Codes

    HCPCS-A4206-STERILE-SYRINGE-1CC-NEEDLE

    HCPCS A4206: Syringe with Needle, 1 cc or Less, Sterile

    HCPCS-A4207-STERILE-2CC-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE

    HCPCS Level II A4207: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 2 cc

    HCPCS-A4208-STERILE-3CC-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE

    HCPCS Level II A4208: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 3 cc

    HCPCS-A4209-STERILE-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE-5CC-OR-GREATER

    HCPCS Level II A4209: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 5 cc or Greater

    HCPCS-A4210-NEEDLE-FREE-INJECTION-DEVICE

    HCPCS Level II A4210: Needle-free Injection Device, Each

    HCPCS-A4211-SUPPLIES-SELF-ADMINISTERED-INJECTIONS

    HCPCS Level II A4211: Supplies for Self-Administered Injections

    HCPCS-A4212-NON-CORING-NEEDLE-STYLET-CATHETER-ACCESS-SUPPLY

    HCPCS Level II A4212: Non-coring Needle or Stylet with/without Catheter

    HCPCS-A4213-STERILE-SYRINGE-20CC-OR-GREATER

    HCPCS Level II A4213: Syringe, Sterile, 20 cc or Greater, Each

    HCPCS-A4215-STERILE-NEEDLE-SINGLE-EACH

    HCPCS Level II A4215: Needle, Sterile, Any Size

    HCPCS-A4216-STERILE-DILUENT-FLUSH-10ML

    HCPCS Level II A4216: Sterile Diluent/Flush, 10 ml

    Showing 1–10 of 633

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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