HCPCS K0746: Absorptive Wound Dressing for Home NPWT, Pad >48 sq in

HCPCS Level II code K0746 designates an absorptive wound dressing intended for use with a home-model, portable suction pump, with a pad size greater than 48 square inches. The code captures a wound care accessory used in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) delivered in the home setting. Nationally, accurate coding of NPWT supplies like K0746 affects coverage determinations, durable medical equipment payment processes, and clinical supply planning for home health providers and suppliers.

Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the code’s clinical role, typical site-of-service implications, and the payer landscape affecting coverage and reimbursement for home NPWT supplies. The publication also summarizes common billing considerations, relevant modifiers and system interactions where provided, and highlights areas where input data was not available.

This report is intended for billing managers, home health clinicians, and policy analysts who need a clear, national-level reference for coding and payer engagement related to large-pad absorptive dressings used with portable home suction pumps.

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Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code K0746 describes an absorptive wound dressing for use with a suction pump, home model, portable, with a pad size greater than 48 square inches. This product is a durable medical equipment dressing intended to interface with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems for use in the home setting.

Service Type: Durable medical equipment; wound care accessory for negative pressure wound therapy

Typical Site of Service: Home health care / Patient residence

Data not available in the input.

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HCPCS K0746: Absorptive Wound Dressing for Home NPWT, Pad >48 sq in

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Billing Code Overview

Service Type: Durable medical equipment; wound care accessory for negative pressure wound therapy

Typical Site of Service: Home health care / Patient residence

Data not available in the input.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult with a chronic or complex wound (for example, a large sacral pressure ulcer, postoperative abdominal wound with high exudate, or diabetic foot ulcer) being managed at home with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) using a portable/home suction pump. The clinician (wound care nurse or home health provider) assesses the wound in the outpatient clinic or during a home visit, measures wound size (greater than 48 square inches for the pad), documents wound characteristics and prior treatments, and determines that an absorptive wound dressing compatible with a portable suction pump is required. The device is supplied as part of home-based NPWT; training is provided to the patient or caregiver on pump operation, dressing changes, skin protection, and signs of complications. Billing uses HCPCS Level II code K0746 for the absorptive dressing (pad size >48 sq in). Typical sites of service include the patient’s residence (home health), outpatient wound clinic, or skilled nursing facility when the portable/home NPWT system is used.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`L89.153`	Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 3	Large sacral pressure ulcers commonly require NPWT with large absorptive pads (>48 sq in).
`L97.413`	Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right calf with fat layer exposed	Chronic lower-extremity ulcers with heavy exudate may need NPWT and large dressings.
`L97.524`	Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left heel with necrosis of bone	Deep, exudative foot ulcers often require advanced dressings and NPWT supply.
`K63.89`	Other specified diseases of intestine	Postoperative abdominal wounds with enteric fistula or high-output wound drainage may necessitate large NPWT dressings.
`E11.621`	Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer	Diabetic foot ulcers with significant drainage are common indications for NPWT and large absorptive pads.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97605`	Debridement, open wound, non-selective (eg, wet-to-moist dressings, enzymatic, abrasion), first 20 sq cm or less	May be performed prior to NPWT dressing placement for wound bed preparation (smaller debridement services).
`97606`	Debridement, open wound, non-selective, each additional 20 sq cm (list separately in addition to code for primary service)	Used for larger wounds when additional debridement area is required before applying NPWT dressings.
`97607`	Application of a topical wound dressing, negative pressure wound therapy (e.g., vacuum-assisted drainage), including provision of device(s), suction pump, and dressings; first 48 sq in	Related to NPWT services; `K0746` specifically bills the larger pad (>48 sq in) supply while `97607` covers first 48 sq in NPWT application.
`97608`	Application of a topical wound dressing, negative pressure wound therapy; each additional 48 sq in (list separately in addition to code for primary service)	Used when NPWT application exceeds the first 48 sq in; pairs clinically with larger dressings such as the pad represented by `K0746`.
`11042`	Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis), first 20 sq cm or less	Surgical debridement codes that may be documented when operative debridement precedes NPWT supply application.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –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…
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…
62	Modifier 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…
80	CPT® 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…
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…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207Q00000X	Family Medicine Physician	Family 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…
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
363A00000X	Physician Assistant	A physician assistant is a person who has successfully completed an accredited education program for physician assistant, is licensed by the state and…
207P00000X	Emergency Medicine Physician	An emergency physician focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospit…
207R00000X	Internal Medicine Physician	A physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults…
2471R0002X	Radiation Therapy Radiologic Technologist	A radiologic technologist who specializes in radiation therapy and is appropriately educated and trained, consistent with nationally recognized standa…
163WM0705X	Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse	Nursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse
171M00000X	Case Manager/Care Coordinator	A person who provides case management services and assists an individual in gaining access to needed medical, social, educational, and/or other servic…

HCPCS Level II K0001: Standard Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0002-STANDARD-HEMI-LOW-SEAT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0002: Standard Hemi (Low Seat) Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0003-LIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0003: Lightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0004-HIGH-STRENGTH-LIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0004: High Strength, Lightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0005-ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0005: Ultralightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0006-HEAVY-DUTY-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0006: Heavy Duty Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0007-EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0007: Extra Heavy Duty Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0008-CUSTOM-MANUAL-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0008: Custom Manual Wheelchair/Base

HCPCS-K0009-OTHER-MANUAL-WHEELCHAIR-BASE

HCPCS K0009: Other Manual Wheelchair/Base

HCPCS-K0010-STANDARD-WEIGHT-FRAME-POWER-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0010: Standard Weight Frame Motorized/Power Wheelchair

Showing 1–10 of 135

Frequently Asked Questions

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
`L89.153`	Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 3	Large sacral pressure ulcers commonly require NPWT with large absorptive pads (>48 sq in).
`L97.413`	Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right calf with fat layer exposed	Chronic lower-extremity ulcers with heavy exudate may need NPWT and large dressings.
`L97.524`	Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left heel with necrosis of bone	Deep, exudative foot ulcers often require advanced dressings and NPWT supply.
`K63.89`	Other specified diseases of intestine	Postoperative abdominal wounds with enteric fistula or high-output wound drainage may necessitate large NPWT dressings.
`E11.621`	Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer	Diabetic foot ulcers with significant drainage are common indications for NPWT and large absorptive pads.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`97605`	Debridement, open wound, non-selective (eg, wet-to-moist dressings, enzymatic, abrasion), first 20 sq cm or less	May be performed prior to NPWT dressing placement for wound bed preparation (smaller debridement services).
`97606`	Debridement, open wound, non-selective, each additional 20 sq cm (list separately in addition to code for primary service)	Used for larger wounds when additional debridement area is required before applying NPWT dressings.
`97607`	Application of a topical wound dressing, negative pressure wound therapy (e.g., vacuum-assisted drainage), including provision of device(s), suction pump, and dressings; first 48 sq in	Related to NPWT services; `K0746` specifically bills the larger pad (>48 sq in) supply while `97607` covers first 48 sq in NPWT application.
`97608`	Application of a topical wound dressing, negative pressure wound therapy; each additional 48 sq in (list separately in addition to code for primary service)	Used when NPWT application exceeds the first 48 sq in; pairs clinically with larger dressings such as the pad represented by `K0746`.
`11042`	Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis), first 20 sq cm or less	Surgical debridement codes that may be documented when operative debridement precedes NPWT supply application.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –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…
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…
62	Modifier 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…
80	CPT® 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…
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…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207Q00000X	Family Medicine Physician	Family 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…
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
363A00000X	Physician Assistant	A physician assistant is a person who has successfully completed an accredited education program for physician assistant, is licensed by the state and…
207P00000X	Emergency Medicine Physician	An emergency physician focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospit…
207R00000X	Internal Medicine Physician	A physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults…
2471R0002X	Radiation Therapy Radiologic Technologist	A radiologic technologist who specializes in radiation therapy and is appropriately educated and trained, consistent with nationally recognized standa…
163WM0705X	Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse	Nursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse
171M00000X	Case Manager/Care Coordinator	A person who provides case management services and assists an individual in gaining access to needed medical, social, educational, and/or other servic…

HCPCS Level II K0001: Standard Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0002-STANDARD-HEMI-LOW-SEAT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0002: Standard Hemi (Low Seat) Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0003-LIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0003: Lightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0004-HIGH-STRENGTH-LIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0004: High Strength, Lightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0005-ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0005: Ultralightweight Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0006-HEAVY-DUTY-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0006: Heavy Duty Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0007-EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0007: Extra Heavy Duty Wheelchair

HCPCS-K0008-CUSTOM-MANUAL-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS Level II K0008: Custom Manual Wheelchair/Base

HCPCS-K0009-OTHER-MANUAL-WHEELCHAIR-BASE

HCPCS K0009: Other Manual Wheelchair/Base

HCPCS-K0010-STANDARD-WEIGHT-FRAME-POWER-WHEELCHAIR

HCPCS K0010: Standard Weight Frame Motorized/Power Wheelchair

Showing 1–10 of 135

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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HCPCS K0746: Absorptive Wound Dressing for Home NPWT, Pad >48 sq in

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Billing Code Overview

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HCPCS K0746: Absorptive Wound Dressing for Home NPWT, Pad >48 sq in

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

References

HCPCS K0746: Absorptive Wound Dressing for Home NPWT, Pad >48 sq in

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Billing Code Overview

HCPCS K0746: Absorptive Wound Dressing for Home NPWT, Pad >48 sq in

Sign up for hcpcs K0746 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

What does HCPCS code K0746 cover?

Where and in what clinical situations is K0746 commonly billed?

Which modifiers are commonly associated with K0746 and when are they used?

How does K0746 interact with related CPT codes for NPWT and debridement?

Which diagnoses are commonly associated with billing K0746?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

What does HCPCS code K0746 cover?

Where and in what clinical situations is K0746 commonly billed?

Which modifiers are commonly associated with K0746 and when are they used?

How does K0746 interact with related CPT codes for NPWT and debridement?

Which diagnoses are commonly associated with billing K0746?

References