Covered by Medicare when a suction pump is supplies to the patient. Tracheal suction catheters are considered supplies and are separately payable. Sterile catheters are medically necessary only for deep tracheostomy suctioning. An oropharyngeal suction catheter is a reusable accessory to the suction pump and is allowed separately when they are medically necessary and used with a medically necessary suction pump.

Utilization Limits:

• Three sterile catheters per day are covered with a tracheostomy diagnosis. Otherwise, three per week are covered. After three sterile catheters per day are covered.
• Three oropharyngeal suction catheters per week are covered.
• 30-day supply will be permitted each month.
• Additional documentation is required if supplying a quantity over the utilization requirement.