Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II A6218: Large Non-Adhesive Gauze Dressing
HCPCS Level II code A6218 designates a large, non-impregnated, non-sterile gauze pad (greater than 48 sq. in.) without an adhesive border, billed per dressing. This supply-level code is commonly used across clinical settings for wound coverage when a substantial absorbent surface is required. Nationally, such durable wound care supplies support post-operative care, chronic wound management, and acute wound dressing changes in both institutional and home settings.
Key payers included in this overview are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical context and service settings where A6218 is used, as well as operational considerations relevant to billing and documentation. The publication summarizes typical billing scenarios, common modifiers associated with the code (listed separately), and how this code fits into broader wound-care supply reporting.
This analysis provides benchmarks and practical reference points for coding and billing staff, supply chain managers, and compliance professionals. It highlights typical sites of service, expected use cases, and the role of A6218 within wound-care supply lines. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code A6218 describes a gauze, non-impregnated, non-sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., without adhesive border, each dressing. This item is a larger non-adhesive dressing pad intended for wound coverage and absorption when a sizeable dressing surface is required.
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Service type: Wound dressing supply
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Typical site of service: Outpatient clinics, hospital inpatient care, long-term care facilities, home health care, and other settings where wound care supplies are furnished or applied
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient scenario involves an adult patient presenting to an outpatient wound clinic or emergency department with a large superficial wound or area requiring a non-sterile absorbent dressing. The clinician assesses the wound for bleeding, exudate, and contamination. For wounds that are not surgically created in an operating room and do not require sterile dressings, a single A6218 gauze pad (non-impregnated, non-sterile, pad size >48 sq. in., without adhesive border) is selected to provide broad absorbent coverage for large-area abrasions, donor sites after minor dermatologic procedures, or packing/covering large chronic ulcers prior to placement of secondary dressings. The typical workflow: triage and wound assessment → cleansing and hemostasis as needed → selection of appropriate dressing size and type (A6218) → application of the non-sterile large gauze pad and securement (secondary wrap, tape, or bandage) → patient instruction for dressing care and follow-up in outpatient wound clinic or home health setting.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Used when no other modifier applies to the service or supply billed. |