Do You Need a Prescription for a Wound VAC? NPWT Requirements
Do you need a prescription for a wound vac?
The Quick Answer
**Yes—a physician prescription is mandatory** for wound VAC (NPWT) systems. Medicare and private insurers require documentation of medical necessity: failed conventional therapy, specific wound characteristics (size, depth, exudate), and diagnosis (diabetic ulcer, pressure injury, dehisced surgical wound). The prescription must specify pressure settings, dressing change frequency, and anticipated treatment duration.
Why We Ask This
Patients attempt to purchase NPWT devices online without prescriptions, wasting money on equipment they cannot legally use—or delaying care while navigating insurance pre-authorization requirements that seem unnecessarily bureaucratic during urgent healing windows.
The Practical Science
NPWT devices are FDA Class II medical devices requiring prescription due to risks of bleeding, infection, or tissue damage from improper pressure settings. Documentation must demonstrate wound meets coverage criteria: typically >2 weeks duration with no 30% area reduction using standard care.
In Clinical Practice
A podiatrist prescribes NPWT for a Wagner grade 3 diabetic foot ulcer after 3 weeks of stalled healing with standard dressings—specifying -100 mmHg continuous suction, 48-hour dressing changes, and 4-week trial period—enabling DME supplier to obtain insurance authorization within 24 hours for immediate therapy initiation.
References & Context
Negative Pressure Wound Pump Rentals | Pennsylvania | NPWT"The NPWT pumps/VAC must be prescribed by a physician and be capable of accommodating more than one (1) wound dressing set for multiple wounds on a individual."