A6218 HCPCS code: Gauze, non-impregnated, non-sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., without adhesive border, each dressing
A6218 is the HCPCS Level II code for gauze, non-impregnated, non-sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., without adhesive border, each dressing. In 2024 Medicare paid an average of $0.20 per service for A6218 across 19,342 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 40% from 2022 to 2024 (13,841 to 19,342 services). In 2024, 25 suppliers billed Medicare for A6218 (purchases), serving 265 beneficiaries; Minnesota, Massachusetts, New York accounted for 50% 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 | 2003-01-01 |
Who bills A6218 (2024)
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Suppliers billing rentals | — |
| Suppliers billing purchases | 25 |
| Referring clinicians | 211 |
| Medicare beneficiaries | 265 |
| States with claims | 12 |
| Share of services in top 3 states (Minnesota, Massachusetts, New York) | 50% |
| Year | Suppliers | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 24 | 158 |
| 2023 | 21 | 234 |
| 2024 | 25 | 265 |
Counts only. Supplier and clinician names, contact lists and state-by-state detail are in Caduvo.
Medicare utilization for A6218, 2022–2024
| Year | Services | Beneficiaries | Avg. allowed | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13,841 | 158 | $0.72 | $0.56 |
| 2023 | 16,178 | 234 | $0.42 | $0.31 |
| 2024 | 19,342 | 265 | $0.25 | $0.20 |
States with the most A6218 services (2024)
| State | Services | Avg. paid |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 2,869 | $0.19 |
| Massachusetts | 2,380 | $0.18 |
| New York | 2,322 | $0.21 |
| California | 2,019 | $0.19 |
| Georgia | 1,150 | $0.20 |
Medicare policy articles for this code
- A52521: Urological Supplies - Policy Article (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance
- A54563: Surgical Dressings - Policy Article (CGS Administrators, LLC (DME MAC) Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (DME MAC)) — mentions this code in its coding guidance
Covered diagnoses (1 ICD-10-CM codes)
The diagnoses most often listed as covered in the policy articles above:
| ICD-10-CM | Diagnosis | Articles listing it |
|---|---|---|
| N39.3 | Stress incontinence (female) (male) | 1 |
What changed for A6218
- 1997-01-01: A6218 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 A6218?
A6218 is the HCPCS Level II code for gauze, non-impregnated, non-sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., without adhesive border, each dressing. Short descriptor: "Non-sterile gauze > 48 sq in".
How much does Medicare pay for A6218?
In 2024, the average Medicare payment was $0.20 per service (average allowed $0.25).
Does Medicare cover A6218?
Coverage code D — Special coverage instructions apply. Medicare covers it when its national or local coverage criteria are met.
Which diagnoses support coverage for A6218?
Medicare policy articles that cite A6218 list 1 covered ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes across 2 articles. The most cited include N39.3 (Stress incontinence (female) (male)). A listed diagnosis is necessary but not sufficient; the policy's other criteria still apply.
Related A62 codes
- A6203 — Composite dressing, sterile, pad size 16 sq. in. or less, with any size adhesive border, each dressing ($4.80–$5.70)
- A6204 — Composite dressing, sterile, pad size more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing ($8.86–$10.62)
- A6205 — Composite dressing, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing
- A6206 — Contact layer, sterile, 16 sq. in. or less, each dressing
- A6207 — Contact layer, sterile, more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., each dressing ($10.47–$12.56)
- A6208 — Contact layer, sterile, more than 48 sq. in., each dressing
- A6209 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size 16 sq. in. or less, without adhesive border, each dressing ($10.65–$12.82)
- A6210 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., without adhesive border, each dressing ($28.40–$34.06)
- A6211 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., without adhesive border, each dressing ($41.86–$50.18)
- A6212 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size 16 sq. in. or less, with any size adhesive border, each dressing ($13.84–$16.61)
- A6213 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing
- A6214 — Foam dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 48 sq. in., with any size adhesive border, each dressing ($14.68–$17.62)
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 A6218
- Watch A6218 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for A6218
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2025; 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.