Medicare Payments for Intermittent Urinary Catheters

Medicare covers reasonable and necessary durable medical equipment, prosthetics, and orthotics supplies (DMEPOS), such as intermittent urinary catheters (Social Security Act § 1861 (n) and (s)(8), and 1862(a)(1)(A)). For calendar year 2021, Medicare paid more than $308 million for intermittent urinary catheters. Prior reviews performed by OIG and CMS contractors have identified high improper payment rates for urological supplies (including intermittent urinary catheters) that did not meet Medicare requirements. Upon request, a supplier must provide documentation from the physician or treating practitioner indicating that the urological supplies were reasonable and necessary for the beneficiary's condition (42 CFR § 410.38(d)(3)). We will audit Medicare payments for intermittent urinary catheters to determine whether claims submitted by DMEPOS suppliers complied with Medicare requirements and guidance.

Announced or Revised	Agency	Title	Component	Report Number(s)	Expected Issue Date (FY)
Revised	Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services	Medicare Payments for Intermittent Urinary Catheters	Office of Audit Services	WA-22-0008 (W-00-22-35888)	2025