HCPCS A6456: Zinc Paste Impregnated Bandage, 3–5 in. Width

HCPCS Level II code A6456 denotes a zinc paste impregnated, non-elastic, knitted or woven bandage measuring 3 to less than 5 inches in width, billed per yard. This supply code is relevant to clinicians and billing teams involved in wound care and compression therapy, particularly for conditions requiring zinc paste dressings. Nationally, such durable medical supplies influence outpatient wound care resource utilization and reimbursement patterns.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the product, typical sites of service where the item is used (outpatient clinics, wound care centers, home health, and DME suppliers), and the types of operational benchmarks and policy topics commonly associated with HCPCS supply codes. The publication will also summarize common billing modifiers and coding considerations relevant to A6456, outline areas where payers frequently apply coverage or documentation rules, and identify where input data is not available. Data not available in the input: associated taxonomies, specific ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and payer-specific reimbursement rates.

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Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code A6456 describes a zinc paste impregnated bandage that is non-elastic and knitted or woven, with a width greater than or equal to three inches and less than five inches, billed per yard. This product is typically used for compression and wound care applications where zinc paste dressing is indicated.

Service Type: Wound care supply / compression bandage

Typical Site of Service: Outpatient clinic, wound care center, home health, and durable medical equipment suppliers

Data not available in the input for payers, taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.

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HCPCS A6456: Zinc Paste Impregnated Bandage, 3–5 in. Width

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Get alerted when payer policies referencing A6456 are released or updated.

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Billing Code Overview

Service Type: Wound care supply / compression bandage

Typical Site of Service: Outpatient clinic, wound care center, home health, and durable medical equipment suppliers

Data not available in the input for payers, taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult with a lower-extremity venous stasis ulcer or chronic eczematous dermatitis requiring a zinc paste impregnated, non-elastic, knitted/woven bandage for compression therapy and wound protection. The dressing is supplied in the outpatient wound care clinic, home health visit, or durable medical equipment workflow and is measured and dispensed by the yard. A clinician (wound care nurse, podiatrist, vascular surgeon, or home health nurse) selects A6456 when a non-elastic zinc-impregnated bandage 3–5 inches wide is required to maintain a zinc-based barrier, reduce maceration, and provide mild compression over a primary dressing. The workflow typically includes wound assessment, measurement, primary dressing application, secondary zinc paste bandage measured and cut per yard, patient education on wear time and signs of complication, and documentation of quantity dispensed and clinical rationale in the medical record. Insurance verification and prior authorization steps may occur for durable medical equipment coverage or home health supplies prior to dispensing.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`I83.013`	Varicose veins of right lower extremity with ulcer of thigh	Venous insufficiency ulcers commonly require zinc paste bandages as part of compression and wound care.
`I83.022`	Varicose veins of left lower extremity with ulcer of calf	Zinc paste bandages are used to protect and provide mild compression for stasis ulcers on the calf.
`L97.521`	Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left ankle, limited to breakdown of skin	Chronic ulcers on the ankle benefit from zinc-based paste bandages to manage exudate and skin integrity.
`L97.222`	Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with fat layer exposed	Advanced ulcers often require staged care including debridement and protective zinc paste dressing.
`L98.4`	Chronic ulcer of skin, unspecified	General code for chronic ulcers where zinc paste bandage may be indicated for topical management.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97605`	Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings change, simple	May be performed prior to application of zinc paste bandage when NPWT is discontinued and secondary dressings are applied.
`97597`	Debridement (selective) of open wound, first 20 sq cm or less	Debridement is often performed before application of a zinc-impregnated bandage to prepare the wound bed.
`11042`	Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (eg, fascial plane) first 20 sq cm	Surgical debridement codes may be used for deeper wound preparation prior to prolonged zinc paste bandaging.
`99070`	Supplies and materials (except spectacles), noncovered items, used for patient care	May be used by some payors to report miscellaneous supplies when specific HCPCS is not payable; typically not used if `A6456` is billed.
`29580`	Application of multi-layer compression system; leg (elastic/non-elastic)	Use when multi-layer compression systems are applied in conjunction with zinc paste bandage for venous ulcer management.

Related Modifiers

5 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
52	Modifier ‑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…
53	Modifier 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…
77	Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…	- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…
82	Modifier 82 is appended to a surgical CPT code to indicate that an attending physician acted as an assistant because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable. In teaching hospitals it documents…	- When to use: Append modifier 82 in teaching-hospital settings to indicate a physician served as an assistant surgeon because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable (includes situations where…
8P	Modifier 8P—Performance Measure Reporting Modifier – Action Not Performed, Reason Not Otherwise Specified— is appended only to CPT Category II quality-reporting codes to indicate that the specified…	- Use modifier -8P only with CPT Category II codes when the quality-measure action was not performed for an eligible patient and there is no documented reason in the medical record for omitting the…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
174H00000X	Health Educator	Health educators work in a variety of settings providing education to individuals or groups of individuals on healthy behaviors, wellness, and health-…
1835P0200X	Pediatric Pharmacist	A licensed pharmacist who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in the delivery of patient care services by pharmacists that ensures the sa…
207V00000X	Obstetrics & Gynecology Physician	An obstetrician/gynecologist possesses special knowledge, skills and professional capability in the medical and surgical care of the female reproducti…
164W00000X	Licensed Practical Nurse	An individual with post-high school vocational training and practical experience in the provision of nursing care at a level less than that required f…
246W00000X	Cardiology Technician	An individual who has knowledge of specific techniques, instruments, and equipment required in performing specific cardiovascular/peripheral vascular …
367H00000X	Anesthesiologist Assistant	An individual certified by the state to perform anesthesia services under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologist Assistants …
207RA0401X	Addiction Medicine (Internal Medicine) Physician	An internist doctor of osteopathy that specializes in the treatment of addiction disorders. A doctor of osteopathy that is board eligible/certified b…
207VX0000X	Obstetrics Physician	A physician who specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with obstetric conditions.

Related Codes

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

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

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

HCPCS A4207: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 2 cc, Each

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

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

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

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

HCPCS-A4210-NEEDLE-FREE-INJECTION-DEVICE

HCPCS A4210: Needle-Free Injection Device, Single

HCPCS-A4211-SUPPLIES-SELF-ADMINISTERED-INJECTIONS

HCPCS 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 or without Catheter

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

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

HCPCS-A4215-STERILE-NEEDLE-SINGLE-EACH

HCPCS Level II A4215: Sterile Needle, Single Use, Each

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

HCPCS A4216: Sterile Diluent/Flush, 10 ml

Showing 1–10 of 633

References

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.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.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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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`I83.013`	Varicose veins of right lower extremity with ulcer of thigh	Venous insufficiency ulcers commonly require zinc paste bandages as part of compression and wound care.
`I83.022`	Varicose veins of left lower extremity with ulcer of calf	Zinc paste bandages are used to protect and provide mild compression for stasis ulcers on the calf.
`L97.521`	Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left ankle, limited to breakdown of skin	Chronic ulcers on the ankle benefit from zinc-based paste bandages to manage exudate and skin integrity.
`L97.222`	Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with fat layer exposed	Advanced ulcers often require staged care including debridement and protective zinc paste dressing.
`L98.4`	Chronic ulcer of skin, unspecified	General code for chronic ulcers where zinc paste bandage may be indicated for topical management.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97605`	Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings change, simple	May be performed prior to application of zinc paste bandage when NPWT is discontinued and secondary dressings are applied.
`97597`	Debridement (selective) of open wound, first 20 sq cm or less	Debridement is often performed before application of a zinc-impregnated bandage to prepare the wound bed.
`11042`	Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (eg, fascial plane) first 20 sq cm	Surgical debridement codes may be used for deeper wound preparation prior to prolonged zinc paste bandaging.
`99070`	Supplies and materials (except spectacles), noncovered items, used for patient care	May be used by some payors to report miscellaneous supplies when specific HCPCS is not payable; typically not used if `A6456` is billed.
`29580`	Application of multi-layer compression system; leg (elastic/non-elastic)	Use when multi-layer compression systems are applied in conjunction with zinc paste bandage for venous ulcer management.

Related Modifiers

5 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
52	Modifier ‑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…
53	Modifier 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…
77	Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…	- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…
82	Modifier 82 is appended to a surgical CPT code to indicate that an attending physician acted as an assistant because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable. In teaching hospitals it documents…	- When to use: Append modifier 82 in teaching-hospital settings to indicate a physician served as an assistant surgeon because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable (includes situations where…
8P	Modifier 8P—Performance Measure Reporting Modifier – Action Not Performed, Reason Not Otherwise Specified— is appended only to CPT Category II quality-reporting codes to indicate that the specified…	- Use modifier -8P only with CPT Category II codes when the quality-measure action was not performed for an eligible patient and there is no documented reason in the medical record for omitting the…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
174H00000X	Health Educator	Health educators work in a variety of settings providing education to individuals or groups of individuals on healthy behaviors, wellness, and health-…
1835P0200X	Pediatric Pharmacist	A licensed pharmacist who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in the delivery of patient care services by pharmacists that ensures the sa…
207V00000X	Obstetrics & Gynecology Physician	An obstetrician/gynecologist possesses special knowledge, skills and professional capability in the medical and surgical care of the female reproducti…
164W00000X	Licensed Practical Nurse	An individual with post-high school vocational training and practical experience in the provision of nursing care at a level less than that required f…
246W00000X	Cardiology Technician	An individual who has knowledge of specific techniques, instruments, and equipment required in performing specific cardiovascular/peripheral vascular …
367H00000X	Anesthesiologist Assistant	An individual certified by the state to perform anesthesia services under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologist Assistants …
207RA0401X	Addiction Medicine (Internal Medicine) Physician	An internist doctor of osteopathy that specializes in the treatment of addiction disorders. A doctor of osteopathy that is board eligible/certified b…
207VX0000X	Obstetrics Physician	A physician who specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with obstetric conditions.

Related Codes

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

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

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

HCPCS A4207: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 2 cc, Each

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

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

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

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

HCPCS-A4210-NEEDLE-FREE-INJECTION-DEVICE

HCPCS A4210: Needle-Free Injection Device, Single

HCPCS-A4211-SUPPLIES-SELF-ADMINISTERED-INJECTIONS

HCPCS 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 or without Catheter

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

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

HCPCS-A4215-STERILE-NEEDLE-SINGLE-EACH

HCPCS Level II A4215: Sterile Needle, Single Use, Each

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

HCPCS A4216: Sterile Diluent/Flush, 10 ml

Showing 1–10 of 633

References

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.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.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.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.