A6198 HCPCS code: Alginate or other fiber gelling dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., each dressing
A6198 is the HCPCS Level II code for alginate or other fiber gelling dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., each dressing. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $29.71 per service for A6198 across 115,347 services. Its Medicare coverage code is D (Special coverage instructions apply): Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met. Medicare volume rose 109% from 2022 to 2024 (55,161 to 115,347 services). In 2024, 72 suppliers billed Medicare for A6198 (purchases), serving 1,880 beneficiaries; New York, Florida, California accounted for 30% of services.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | A codes — Transportation, medical/surgical supplies and miscellaneous |
| Coverage code | D — Special coverage instructions apply |
| Pricing indicator | 46 — Priced by the Medicare contractor (no national fee) |
| BETOS category | D1A — Medical/surgical supplies |
| Added | 1997-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2009-01-01 |
Who bills A6198 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Suppliers billing rentals | — |
| Suppliers billing purchases | 72 |
| Referring clinicians | 1,495 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 1,880 |
| States with claims | 41 |
| Share of services in top 3 states (New York, Florida, California) | 30% |
| Year | Suppliers | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94 | 982 |
| 2023 | 82 | 1,073 |
| 2024 | 72 | 1,880 |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for A6198, 2022–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 55,161 | 982 | $35.88 | $28.26 |
| 2023 | 62,154 | 1,073 | $38.25 | $29.92 |
| 2024 | 115,347 | 1,880 | $37.95 | $29.71 |
States with the most A6198 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 13,830 | $28.92 |
| Florida | 13,284 | $29.67 |
| California | 7,424 | $29.55 |
| Texas | 7,175 | $30.02 |
| Pennsylvania | 7,068 | $29.29 |
Medicare policy articles for this code
- A54563: Surgical Dressings - Policy Article (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance
What changed for A6198
- 1997-01-01: A6198 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code A6198?
A6198 is the HCPCS Level II code for alginate or other fiber gelling dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., each dressing. Short descriptor: "Alginate dressing > 48 sq in".
How much does Medicare pay for A6198?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $29.71 per service (average allowed $37.95).
Does Medicare cover A6198?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
Related A61 codes
- A6154 — Wound pouch, each ($19.86–$22.46)
- A6196 — Alginate or other fiber gelling dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size 16 sq. in. or less, each dressing ($10.49–$12.59)
- A6197 — Alginate or other fiber gelling dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., each dressing ($23.44–$28.11)
- A6199 — Alginate or other fiber gelling dressing, wound filler, sterile, per 6 inches ($7.52–$8.99)
Building a device that would bill under a code like this? Caduvo matches a device description to HCPCS/CPT codes, Medicare coverage and payment, and the FDA pathway in one report.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under A6198
- Watch A6198 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for A6198
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.